"You'll never look at a question the same way again."
Ted Agon - Author
All it takes for evil to prosper
is for good people to do nothing.
It is as impossible
to withhold the truth
from the questioning mind,
as it is impossible
to force it upon those
who do not question.
.
You
will begin to notice
how often you will find
you are asking yourself
questions.
I n t r o d u c t i o n
My Responsibility
It would be irresponsible and possibly unethical not to share what was discovered through 14 years of research and writing. It is the basis on which we survive and thrive. It is a process of only 6 everday words.
Extraordinary Claims
require
Extraordinary Evidence
Carl Sagan
Astronomer
Astrophysicist
Science Communicator
The above statement may seem exaggerated or an unrealistic claim. It is supported on this INTRODUCTION page in a 10-minute podcast appropriately titled "Challenge This!". This is followed by a sobering amount of additional supporting evidence, observations and logic. It fulfills Carl Sagan's requirement of Extraordinary Evidence.
I strongly encourage you to challenge and attempt to decisively invalidate the 6-WORD PROCESS with observations, evidence and logic. When you cannot invalidate the PROCESS, you then inherit the same obligation to responsibly share.
(Who would not share information that will help families and communities adapt, survive and thrive? Unfortunately, there are some who will not.)
It's not that we can't
see the solution.
.
It's that we can't
see the problem.
This introduction includes:
A Revelation
The Problem
The Solution
A Challenge
A Choice
.
.
.Let's take our minds for a walk.
As mentioned, the book the human key is the outcome of 14 years of research and writing based on observations from living in seven countries and cultures. (Please see: My BACKGROUND page.)
the human key has been translated into the language of Telugu; spoken by 82 million people. (It is the 14th most spoken language in the world.) Of specific note, the book was translated by an individual (His name is Rao) who has compiled dictionaries in six languages. Rao felt the information so important that, after 4 1/2 years of translating the book, he published the entire book to be read online for free.
(I have done the same with the process of thinking on this INTRODUCTION page. )
Rao titled the translation "Prasna Enduku" ప్రశ్న ఎందుకు? (Why Question) You will come to understand why he chose this title. (There will be an opportunity to read more about this later.)
What the book
the human key
.
the human key addresses the most basic elements of human existence - thinking, learning & communicating. These three elements are universal to all of us on this planet.
.
To be highly skilled in all three of these elements would be an immeasurable advantage.
.
Learning is not compulsory . . .
neither is survival.
Engineer, statistician,
professor, and author
Let's address the primary challenge
Improving
the
Skill of Thinking
This begins with this fundamental
.
Our ability to think sets us apart from all other creatures on the planet. Unless we are sitting in a jungle and naked, everything from spears to spacecraft comes from our ability to think. This includes our clothes, the ability to communicate, to prevent and cure illness and determine our future.
..
Our ability to think is the reason we exist, survive and thrive.
.
We all want to improve our ability to think to achieve better life outcomes. More importantly, although children are only 40% of the population, they are 100% of our future. We must insure their ability to think achieves their best life outcomes.
.
This brings us to this
thought-provoking question
.
.
What is thinking?
.
W. Edwards Deming, American engineer, statistician and professor observed:
.
”If you can’t describe
what you are doing as a process,
you don’t know what you are doing.”
If we can't describe thinking as a specific process, we don't know what we are doing. Without a specific process with which we can follow and apply it to train our mind to think, we cannot specifically and intentionally improve our ability to think.
As an example, if we don't have cooking or baking experience and were asked to make an apple pie without a recipe, a specific process, we wouldn't know where to begin. By not knowing the recipe, not only could we not make an apple pie, we obviously couldn't knowingly improve the process and outcome of a recipe we didn't know.
To repeat: Without a specific process with which we can follow and apply it to train our mind to think, we cannot specifically and intentionally improve our ability to think.
Teach how to think,
not what to think.
~ Richard Feynman
Theoretical Physicist
1965 Nobel Prize in Physics
.
Again the question:
.
What is thinking?
I have asked this question of hundreds, in groups and individually from all walks of life, and not one of them had been asked this question.
.
(When they were given the opportunity to provide an answer to this question, their answers were general in nature and no two individual’s answers were alike.)
.
I asked them if they had ever asked themselves "What is thinking?" They had not been curious about what it means to think. As a consequence, they had never asked themselves
.
Additionally, I ask if they had ever gone to a dictionary to look up the definition of thinking. They had not.
.
-----<>-----..
.
From this experience, it is reasonable to say that you have not been asked this question, asked yourself this question or have gone to a dictionary to look up the definition.
.
(You might wish to ask your friends these same three questions and listen to their responses.)
.
.
the Revelation
.
It is strikingly obvious that we haven't given thinking a second thought. Contrast this with the fact that we only exist, survive and thrive as a result our ability to think. Where does this leave us?
.
We have taken thinking for granted even though thinking grants us everything.
.
the Problem
..
The big problem
is when we don't realize
we have one.
W. Edwards Deming
One would assume that dictionaries would describe the only process that allows us to survive and thrive. Dictionaries do not describe the process of thinking. They only offer abstract generalizations or synonyms.
.
The synonyms they offer are “reasoning” and “considering” as definitions. Looking up the definitions of “reasoning” or “considering” bring us back to the word “thinking” as a definition. This is circular logic; a traffic circle with an entrance but no exit that leads to a measurable and useful process.
.
If there was a description of the thinking process, you would think it would be in common use. There hasn't been one. (This is about to change.)
.
Without a specific and defined process of thinking, inconsistent and bad-quality decisions, choices and errors are unavoidable. (We have all made them.)
.
How could we have been so indifferent about something that makes all the difference in our ability to survive and thrive?
.
It all comes down to this. Without a specific process with which we can follow and apply it to train our mind to think, we cannot specifically and intentionally improve our ability to think...
The 10 Minutes of Clarity podcast
provides
6
the Solution
.
A specific & effective description
of the thinking process
in six everyday words
..
10 Minutes of Clarity
.
.
the Claim
.
A specific and effective of thinking was provided in the Podcast.
Extraordinary Claims
require
Extraordinary Evidence
Astrophysicist .
.
The Podcast supports the description of the process of thinking with six observations of evidence and logic. Many more are included below in this INTRODUCTION page.
.
31 pages of evidence, logic and observations in the book the.human.key. further cements the validity of the process.
.
-
One observation is an occurrence.
-
Two may be a coincidence or confirmation bias
-
Three is a pattern.
-
Substantially more in agreement
makes it fall under the definition of a Universal.Truth.
(Click here for Universal Truth definition.)
.
When it comes to evidence, overdone is better than underdone. This fulfills Carl Sagan's requirement of Extraordinary Evidence. All this to support a description of only 6 everyday words.
.
This process also falls under the description of an Effective Theory
(After you have refereed to
Effective Theory,
press the back arrow to return
HERE) here.
. After listening to the podcast and as you continue to read this INTRODUCTION page, there are four choices. The FOUR CHOICES are:
..
.
-
Accept the description of the process of thinking apply it to improve life outcomes and pass it on to others to improve their lives and futures..
-
Provide a more effective description of the thinking process supported by observations, evidence and logic
. -
Effectively challenge and decisively invalidate or contradict the description of thinking supported by observations, evidence and logic. (For more on this, see Theory vs. "Scientific Theory".)
(After referring to
Theory vs."Scientific Theory"
please use back arrow to return HERE.)
-
It would take effort and so say "Oh well, let's go to dinner and not think about it."
We will revisit the first THREE CHOICES later.
---------<>---------
It is as impossible
to withhold learning
from the curious mind,
as it is impossible
to force it upon those
who are not curious.
.
.te
As an author, I know that Books are excellent for organizing and disseminating knowledge. In today's world, the best way to get vital information to the greatest number of people around the world, in the shortest time, is with the internet. Rao understood this when he published his book translation on line for anyone to read.. As you read you will understand why he titled the translation "Prasna Enduku" (Why Question).
When you accept the description, please responsibly share this INTRODUCTION page with others. This open-source, information-based website is part of my obligation and commitment to freely share.
.
Podcast Review
and
additional
.
Observations
Evidence
Logic
and
Comments
>Segment #1<.
(For your convenience,
this REVIEW and COMMENTS
has been divided
into 6 segments.)
Extraordinary claims
require
Extraordinary evidence.
In the remainder of this
INTRODUCTION page
be prepared for extensive
observations, logic & evidence
that support
the process of thinking
offered in the podcast.
The volume of material,
as you will read,
is in the form of a brief online book.
Please take your time reading.
I want to restate that the supportive observations, logic and evidence are extensive. You may choose to pause at the end of a section to later return to reading.
Your decisions are only as good
as the information
on which they are based.
----<>----
"Language shapes
the way we think
and determines
what we can think about"
American Linguist
The process of thinking
provided in the Podcast is:
.
Thinking is: the process
of asking ourselves questions.
.
"Do you disagree, agree
or not sure
about this description?"
.
-
In response to the above question you find yourself reflexively asking yourself the question. "Do I disagree, agree or am I not sure about this description?" Though you are in the process of thinking, your mental response comes out as a process of questioning. This is the initial indication that thinking is: the process of asking ourselves questions.
-
You cannot choose unless you ask yourself a question. Which one shall I choose? Choosing is a process of questioning
-
If you doubt the process, doubting is a process of questioning.
-
You can decide to research, fact check or investigate this process of thinking and use a search engine. Deciding, researching, fact checking, investigating and searching are all questioning processes.
-
You may provide a fourth answer. Any answer you provide confirms that the process is accurate. How is this possible? Logic. There cannot be an answer unless it is preceded by a question.
Recognizing this, you have to ask yourself a question to arrive at any answer / solution.
The question can be a conscious or an unconscious question.
|
|
|
V
.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Unconscious Questions
.
The brain is an analytical organ.
Analyzing
is a process of questioning.
Therefore,
the brain is a questioning organ.
.
We are unconscious, not aware, of approximately 90% of the brain's analytical/questioning process.
(For more in-depth understanding click Here)
6
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Curiosity
Development
of
Humankind
What is the irrepressible innate desire, an emotion, to acquire knowledge and understanding? It is curiosity. It is inherent in all humans. It is attributed to the development of humankind.
Curiosity is the inborn urge, a need, to ask ourselves questions to satisfy curiosity with answers.
Asking ourselves questions is a fundamental, inescapable drive of the human brain. It allows us to adapt, survive and thrive
"The most important thing
is to not stop questioning.
Curiosity has its own reason
for existing."
Albert Einstein
Curiosity cannot be taught
but can be nurtured.
To stifle curiosity
in a child
is against nature.
It's unnatural.
Thinking Out Loud
A Million Questions
.
Children, at a very early age are uninhibited. They have no filter. As a consequence, they ask what seems to be a million questions. This is not something they are taught. It is a result of the analytical / questioning brain. This "thinking out loud" (questioning out loud) is the unfiltered and unrestrained external expression of the internal questioning organ; the brain.
To limit
a child's questions
is to limit
their intellectual growth.
If we do not sufficiently encourage children to ask questions, to form independent judgements, becoming more knowledgeable, mindless sheep are what they will be.
.
Two Processes > Same Outcome
.
.
#1
The process of thinking
produces
answers, diagnoses and solutions.
#2
The process of questioning
produces
answers, diagnoses and solutions.
.
Logic
Processes that produce the same products are the same process by different names. (This is similar to a sun and a star. Both produce the same products - heat and light. They are the same process known by different names.)
.
Questioning and thinking
are identical twins
with different names.
CONCLUSION
.
Asking ourselves questions
equals Thinking
Being the same process,
Improving questioning,
effectively and for all practical purposes,
improves thinking.
The analytical process of questioning is universal to all humankind. Without it there could not be creativity or solutions. Without the ability to create or solve, humankind could not adapt and as a consequence could not exist, survive or thrive.
.
The ability to create and solve are the same as the outcomes of the analytical process of thinking.
Nothing can be
investigated,
researched,
quantified,
examined,
qualified,
decided,
verified,
created,
solved,
or
cured
without a question.
.
(without thinking)
Truth is what works.
Philosopher
Pragmatism
Notable Thinkers
Let us see what notable thinkers, down through history, have said about questions. Let's begin with Socrates. There is a pattern.
Socrates
Socrates, (470–399 BC) a Greek who lived in Athens 2,500 years ago, is credited with developing the Socratic Method. He used this method to challenge assumptions and encourage critical thinking in his students. They included some of the most famous philosophers in history, such as Plato. For many decades law colleges have been using the same method to teach.
The Socratic Method is where the teacher/professor instructs by asking students questions to cause students to think - to ask themselves questions. The Socratic Method is the Questioning Method.
“I know you won’t believe me,
but the highest form
of human excellence
is to question oneself
and others.”
~ Socrates
Founder of Western Philosophy
“I cannot teach anybody anything.
I can only make them think”
Socrates
Peter Abelard (1069 - 1142) French “The key to wisdom is this - constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth.” (Truth is an answer.)
The question
is the only path to
knowledge, understanding,
wisdom and truth.
Scientific Method
.
Sir Francis Bacon (1566 - 1626) an Englishman developed the Scientific Method. Scientists are after knowledge. Knowledge is an accumulation or an amalgamation of answers. Answers come from questions/thinking. The first active step in the Scientific Method is to ask a question. To ask a question is to seek Knowledge.
René Descartes (1596 – 1650) French mathematician who developed the system named after him; Cartesian Coordinates which we are all familiar with today. The X Y graphic system. He is also know for “Cartesian Doubt”.
“Cartesian Doubt” is a form of methodological skepticism associated with the writings and methodology of René Descartes (Cartesian doubt is also known as Cartesian skepticism, methodic doubt, methodological skepticism, universal doubt, systematic doubt, or hyperbolic doubt.)
"In order to seek truth,
it is necessary once
in the course of our life
to doubt, as far as possible,
of all things."
René Descartes
mathematician, scientist, philosopher
To doubt
or be skeptical
is to question.
There is no learning
without having
to pose a question
Theoretical Physicist
1965 Nobel Prize in Physics
"I keep six honest serving men,
They taught me all I knew;
Their names are:
What?
Why?
When?
How?
Where?
and Who?"
Rudyard Kipling
Nobel Prize in Literature
1907
Great Thinkers
are
Great Questioners
A Pattern
.
.
“To understand
is to perceive patterns”
Russian-British philosopher
The process of questioning is fundamental to human activity. Its known use and effectiveness has been a conscious, intentional pattern employed across a spectrum of different countries and cultures over a span of 2,500 years. Most importantly, these great thinkers recognized the question was fundamental to their quests for answers. This is not a coincidence. It is a universal pattern.
Thinking is:
the process of
asking ourselves questions.
First Principle
.
The process of questioning can be classified as a "first principle". It is a basic assumption that cannot be deduced any further.
Aristotle, (384 - 322 BC) 2,300 years ago, would have described the process of thinking as a "first principle: the origin from which a thing is known."
The origin, the genesis, of all things known by humankind come from the process of asking questions.
Critical Thinking
is
Critical Questioning
The very nature of life
is discoveries,
and the best of discoveries
are the ones you don’t expect.
A Personal Note
.
The discovery of the process of thinking was one that I didn’t expect. I was asked for a book on the subject of communicating. While writing, I stumbled over the 6-word process of thinking which changed my direction, research and life.
The Wise
Much of what I have gained
is from those wiser than myself.
I invite you to visit them
by clicking here..
(Press back arrow
to return HERE)
Podcast Review
and
Comments
>Segment #2<
"The aspects of things
that are most important to us
are hidden because of their
simplicity and familiarity."
Philosophy of
Logic, Mathematics, Mind & Language.
.
This process of thinking, the use of questions, is most important to our existence and is simple and familiar to us. We use questions uncountable times a day. We didn't know what the process of thinking was so could not improve it. We do know the process of questioning and can knowingly improve it.
"The greatest sophistication
is simplicity."
Engineer, Scientist, Theorist, Painter.
Simplify Simplify Simplify
.
The brain's natural tendency is to simplify. But humankind hasn't been able to explain the analytical process of thinking in simple, usable and effective terms. There has just been the general, abstract and nonspecific term, "thinking".
.
But the analytic, simplifying brain will have its way. It produced a word in human language that has the identical analytical function as "thinking". This is a function that is understood, measurable and improvable. It is the analytical process of "questioning".
Being the same process,
Improving questioning,
effectively
and for all practical purposes,
improves thinking.
This resets our mindset.
This makes something
that was
.
General and Immeasurable
.
to something that is
.
Specific and Measurable.
The complex
is a combination
of the simple.
10
Master the simple
to comprehend, control and
conquer the complex.
Warning!
Questioning
can seriously
damage ignorance.
Question Engine
.
There is a company that started a business in 1999 with $100,000. In its 6th year of business its market valuation was $6 billion. Its only service was to provide a path for people’s questions. Which company? Google.
A search engine is only used when someone has a question. Searching is a process of questioning. A search engine is a question engine. Googling is now another word for questioning.
To understand
is to
have arrived at an answer.
The only way
to arrive at an answer
is to first ask a question.
The question is the only path
to understanding.
There's no question
that without the question
there wouldn’t be any
Nobel Prize winners.
The question
brings order
out of chaos.
The THREE CHOICES are:
..
.
-
Accept the description of the process of thinking and apply it to improve life outcomes and pass it on to others.
-
Provide a more effective description of the thinking process supported by observations, evidence and logic
. -
Effectively challenge and decisively invalidate or contradict the description of thinking supported by observations, evidence and logic.
Podcast Review
and
Comments
>Segment #3<
The more a person
has an opinion
driven by emotion,
the less they question
its validity.
No problem
can withstand the assault
of sustained thinking.
Voltaire
writer, philosopher and historian
Taking Voltaire's observation
and changing "thinking"
to "questioning"
makes sense.
No problem
can withstand the assault
of sustained questioning.
No problem can be solved
without asking a question.
Our strongest weakness
is not taking action.
.
Our Goal
.
We want to improve our and our children’s ability to think to obtain better life outcomes.
.
We didn’t know what the process of thinking was. We couldn’t knowingly improve what we didn’t know.
.
We do know the process of questioning and this process can be measured and improved.
.
With the observation that the process of asking ourselves questions and the process of thinking are the same . . .
|
|
v
Improving questioning,
effectively
and for all practical purposes,
improves thinking.
Again,t
this resets our mindset
This makes something
that was
.
General and Immeasurable
.
to something that is
.
Specific and Measurable
.
.
To ask a question
is the
beginning of knowledge
.
When this process is adopted, and over time, it will impact the process of education, depth of understanding, intellectual growth and the quality of decision-making.
.
Democracy
.
.
. If a nation expects
to be ignorant and free,
in a state of civilization,
it expects what never was
and never will be.
Thomas Jefferson
3rd President of the United States
Author of the
Declaration of Independence
The consequence of the conclusion will allow democracies to flourish through more engaged and informed citizens. (Dictators, fascists, extremist religions and dogmas will not be questioned. It threatens their existence.)
Additionally, followers of cult leaders are told how to think. The leader plays on their fears. (The emotion of fear is a powerful motivator and obstructs rational thinking.) The leader's word is the only true word and everyone that says otherwise is lying. Cult followers are those among us who do not question. Because of this, they are easiest to fool and mislead.
.
.
Questioning
is the only path to the truth
.
A habit of critical questioning exposes destructive baseless conspiracy theories, misinformation, disinformation and dispels fear.
The curiosity
(the urge to question)
of the human mind is essential
if you want citizens who think
rather than accept
the first nonsense they come to.
Nobel Prize 2013
Theoretical Physicist
.
It may seem ironic but, this is also the same process that must be used in any attempt to invalidate the description of the process of thinking.
A person
who does not question
is not interested in the truth
or is frightened by it.
.
..
Survive & Thrive
.
The ability to question is the ability to adapt to life's inevitable changes..
.
The question is responsible for extending the average life span in the United States from 47 years in 1900 to over 78 today; 68% more life – 31 more years.
.
(This is substantially due to Education, Medical Science - preventive and curative, the Scientific Method (see below), and research (a process of questioning). Through these methods and processes, understand and address the challenges of viral pandemics, cancer, heart disease, public hygiene, food-born toxins and workplace/vehicle safety . . . and much more.) Click here to see the question's effect on the world at large. Cancel the page to return HERE.
Those who don't question
don't think.
.
Those who don't think
don't question.
To sum up:
it is wrong
always,
everywhere,
and for anyone,
to believe anything
upon insufficient evidence.
.
British Mathematician
The Scientific Method
.
The 1st active step in the Scientific Method is to ask a question. The questioning process is the thinking process that scientists use to acquire answers/knowledge. It is the only way to achieve knowledge/answers. The word “science” comes from the Latin word “scientia”. “Scientia” translated into English is . . . “knowledge”. Scientists seek answers – knowledge.
We all ask questions to seek knowledge/answers. So in this sense, we are all scientists.
------<>-----
The THREE CHOICES are:
..
.
-
Accept the description of the process of thinking and apply it to improve life outcomes and pass it on to others.
-
Provide a more effective description of the thinking process supported by observations, evidence and logic
. -
Effectively challenge and decisively invalidate or contradict the description of thinking supported by observations, evidence and logic.
Podcast Review
and
Comments
>Segment #4<
"Education is not
for the learning of facts but
the training of the mind
to think."
Theoretical Physicist
.
We would expect Albert Einstein to have an insight on the subject of thinking. Unsurprisingly, his observation makes sense.
-
The goal of education is to have students acquire knowledge and understanding.
.
-
The process of questioning, as with the Scientific Method, is the means by which knowledge and understanding are acquired.
.
-
As a consequence, students must be trained in the process of questioning to insure they have the best opportunity to acquire knowledge and understanding - the goal of education.
..
Providing students with information and facts may help them while they are in class. Train their minds to think, train them to ask questions, and they will be able to acquire their own information and understanding throughout their lifetime.
.
"Give a man a fish
and
you will feed him for a day.
.
Teach him how to fish
and
you feed him for a lifetime."
Chinese Philosopher & Writer
521 BC..
Question / Thinking
Exercise
Asking children more challenging questions as they mature develops their analytical brain. Why? When anyone is asked a question they must ask themselves that same question in the process of acquiring an answer. Thinking is: the process of asking ourselves questions. This is not new. Socrates discovered this 1,400 years ago.
More can be learned from a person's questions than from their answers. Their question indicates how they think, what they think about, their level of knowledge and their willingness to learn. A person that doesn't ask questions is a challenge to themselves and their community.
No problem
can be solved
without a question.
Asking more questions
result in better questions
(result in better thinking)
We are all students in the school of life. We want to improve our and our children's thinking ability to achieve better life outcomes.
Any education process
that isn't
heavily invested in questions
is underfunded.
Questions
we ask
or
do not ask
determine our future.
.
------<>------
The description of the process of thinking is specific. It can easily be understood and readily applied by an adolescent.
.
.. It is difficult to overstate the significance and effectiveness of this six-word description. The questioning process acquires all knowledge and changes everyone's lives and history. Albert Einstein's finding, E=MC2* , was only possible because he used this six-word process. *This website platform does not support superscript.
.
"It is not that I'm so smart.
But I stay with questions
much longer."
------<>------
The THREE CHOICES are:
..
.
-
Accept the description of the process of thinking and apply it to improve life outcomes and pass it on to others.
-
Provide a more effective description of the thinking process supported by observations, evidence and logic
. -
Effectively challenge and decisively invalidate or contradict the description of thinking supported by observations, evidence and logic.
Podcast Review
and
Comments
>Segment #5<
We humans are called
homo sapiens.
Translated from Latin means
"wise mankind”.
-
Can we be wise without knowledge?
Wisdom is the ability to appropriately choose and apply knowledge.
So, knowledge is required to be wise.
|
|
v
-
And, knowledge is an accumulation of answers.
|
|
v
-
And, answers come from questions.
..
Following this top-down logic, the root of mankind’s wisdom is the ability to question. With this perspective, shouldn’t humankind be called “homo questioner”? (Just thought I'd ask)
------<>------.
.
"All truths
are easy to understand
once they are discovered;
the point is
to discover them."
Astronomer, Physicist and Engineer
The description falls under the realm of a "universal truth". It is universal to all humankind, everywhere, under all circumstances and throughout all time.
.
"Truth is the property of no individual
but is the treasure of all."
.
We must responsibly share this description of the thinking process with all. This open-source, information-based website is part of my obligation and commitment to freely share.
.
This description of thinking is the foundation on which we, our families, friends and communities succeed or fail. Doing nothing is not an option. Knowledge is not power. It is useless unless used. See: Action is power.
(Press back arrow to return HERE)
.
..------<>------
.
To permit ignorance
is to empower it.
Author of "the Da Vinci Code"
------<>------
Today's conventional wisdom
was once unconventional.
.
Once, it would have been lunacy
to think we could stand
on the lunar surface.
.
Today's unconventional
will be tomorrow's conventional.
IQ Test
.
Testing
is a process of questioning.
.
Analyzing
is a process of questioning
.
With this in mind,
could it be that intelligence
is measured by questioning (testing)
the brain's ability to question
(to analyze) ?
Note:
Thinking also involves
memory retrieval.
This process is addressed in the book
the human key.
.
The query/retrieval process
is not possible to recall memories
without unconscious questioning.
(to "query" means to question)
-<><><><><><><><><>-
An old truth:
You can lead a horse to water
but you can't make him drink.
.
If you make him thirsty
he will drink.
Some say:
You can
lead people to knowledge
but you can't make them think.
.
If you ask them a question
it will make them think.
“I cannot teach anybody anything.
I can only make them think”
Socrates
Some will,
Some won’t
.
With my background I have few illusions. In regard to adopting and applying the description of thinking; some will and some won’t. What I do know is that those who are diligent in improving their ability to ask questions will succeed over those who don't.
"Most people
would rather die than think.
In fact, many do."
Nobel Prize in Literature 1950
Mathematician and Philosopher.
"You can't handle the truth."
From the movie
"A Few Good Men"
Not asking questions
protects the ignorant
from the truth.
There are those who have a fear or dislike of the truth; and unwillingness to come to terms with it. There is a word for this - alethophobia. (You may wish to look it up.)
There is a Latin phrase that speaks to this fear. It is - sabre aude. Loosely translated it means; Have the courage to use your own reasoning (questioning) - dare to know.
Bigots will not question.
Fools can not question.
Slaves dare not question.
.
Questions
take us out of servitude
into freedom.
Questioning
is both the
inoculation against
and the
antidote for
ignorance.
Paradoxes
.If you doubt
that the process of thinking
is asking yourself a question,
you are asking yourself a question;
for to doubt is to question.
It's interesting,
that our reluctance
to ask questions
to become less ignorant,
is due to not wanting
to appear ignorant.
Pridefulness
prevents
progress
“Those who
are ashamed of asking
are ashamed of learning.”
Danish Proverb
Podcast Review
and
Comments
>Segment #6<
-
.Question Resources
Curiosity, expressed through questioning, is the innate hunger of the analytical brain to know, learn and understand.
The question
is the most powerful weapon
we can use
to change our world.
Repetition is the process
of making conscious practice
an unconscious practice
No practice
No progress
.
Analytical exercises develop the analytical brain.
In the preceding statement, replacing "analytical" with "questioning" .
.
Questioning exercises develop the questioning brain.
Those who question
are those who
learn, adapt, survive and thrive.
Those who don't, won't.
Teach your children
how to think,
not what to think
American Physicist
Nobel Prize 1965.
Below is a source
of questioning techniques:
.
Book
Author: Warren Berger
.
Life is all practice
(I know, I'm over 80)
"Do or do not.
There is no try.
>-<><><><><><><><><>-
The intent of the above INTRODUCTION was to draw attention to that which we have not paid any attention. Did it? Do you know of a more important subject to explore? Explore it as if our children's futures depend on it; because they do. The relatively small amount of time exploring the THINK.PIECE now, will yield a significant return on investment for a lifetime.
.
"Extraordinary Claims
require
Extraordinary Evidence."
Astrophysicist .
.
.
31 pages of evidence in the book the.human.key. further cements the validity of the process.
.
-
One observation is an occurrence.
-
Two may be a coincidence.
-
Three is a pattern.
-
Substantially more in agreement is an exhaustive universal pattern.
.
When it comes to evidence, overdone is better than underdone. This fulfills Carl Sagan's requirement of Extraordinary Evidence. All this to support a description of only 6 everyday words.
To examine the interplay between our EMOTIONAL and RATIONAL/LOGICAL natures, click HERE
The Appendix
.
Click here for a chart of 84 commonly used words for the process of questioning. Why so many? It demonstrates the persistent pattern of how our brain thinks.
.
To advance, click:
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.