The Discipline of Discernment and the Quest of Truth

Wisps of Vagueness, Light of Truth That Shines on Thee - Sierra Nevada Range, NV

To Question Diligently is the Foundation of Discovery

A critical necessity for the survival of man is knowledge of the truth and how to make use of it. This was true throughout the march of history: pre-historic times, the Agricultural, Industrial and Information Revolutions.

One such observable truth is the Summer Solstice. We have celebrated it since ancient times as we do today!

For pre-historic man there were relatively few, but critical facts that he needed to know with certainty in order to survive. Among them were when, where and how to find shelter, water and food. The source of that knowledge, those truths, were largely based on his own ability to question. He had to seek his own answers, learn and apply them that he may survive.

It was up to him to seek the facts; to be disciplined in the deliberate and purposeful search of the truth. His experience of repeatedly achieving the results he pursued probably taught him the skill and value of discernment. It is highly unlikely that he had a name for that skill, but by his survival, we can be fairly certain that he knew what it was and how apply it.

How do I know this? Because of the fact that we, members of the human race, are here today walking this beautiful earth and basking in glorious sunlight

The Art of the Question Is Your Tool to Learn the Truth of the Matter.

As time has marched relentlessly, that approach to learning has changed dramatically. The questions in the quote below may be the same as those asked by pre-historic man. However, the sources of information have vastly expanded well beyond the capacity of a man.

Ponderosa Pines - Sierra Nevada, CA

© Enrique Fernandez, M. D.

The sources for the answers we seek today are extensive. Usually, there is so much information that a prudent person must be diligent to find the facts which, in and of themselves, are the truth.

It does not come as a surprise to remember that the effort necessary to identify the truth we seek requires us to identify and reject incorrect information.

This serves us well as we approach the decisions we make during our lifetime and the information we seek to support them.

Besides the need to sort though the enormous volume of information overload, are there other reasons to be cautious?

There are.

Discernment in the Search of Valuable Information

Over time, the means for conveying information has also expanded dramatically. In addition, the threshold to achieve the means to do so has been lowered. As a consequence, virtually anyone with modest means who has a message to convey can do so fairly readily.

I believe that, in general, this has been beneficial to mankind. However, there are exceptions that each of us can identify…if we stop, look and listen carefully. As you do do, it is useful to remember that wrong information comes in two forms:

• The unintentional provision of wrong information: misinformation
• The intentional provision of wrong information: disinformation

The former is usually fairly easily identified and is often accompanied by a subsequent correction by the author.

The latter is typically harder to spot as it is usually shrouded in deception. Sometimes, the message is accompanied by symbols. It is then useful to go beyond judging the aesthetics of the symbol. You might ask:

• What does this symbol mean?
• What is its origin?
• When did it come into use?
• Who used it?
• Where was it used?
• Why?
• What is/was the character of those who use it?

Diligently Question as You Search For the Clarity of Truth

As we search for truth, each of us has the responsibility and the ability to be inquisitive as to the source, as well as the nature and intended purpose of information and related symbols.  Sometimes they are good and worthy of assimilation, sometimes not.

It seems that as it has become easier to get information from sources other than ourselves, we have become more dependent on those sources.

Is it possible that we may have become overly dependent on those other sources?

If so, can someone become vulnerable to disinformation that is contrary to his best interests?

If so, it seems that it would serve each of our best interests to question politely and incisively as we practice deliberate, purposeful discernment.

I believe that is useful to fine tune the sensitivity of our radar for information that is true and good as well as that which is misleading and potentially harmful.

I encourage you to do so.

PS: Tomorrow, June 21, is Father’s Day! I extend my best wishes to you. I also honor in a very special way, my father who recently went to heaven. He is my giant upon whose shoulders I learned great truths that have guided my life… and that I have taught my children as they also teach theirs as well. Truth is eternal.

Seeking Truth - Somewhere, USA

© Enrique Fernandez, M.D.