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May 26, 2004

When things happen.

I've been thinking lately of one of my unspoken beliefs. Unspoken until now that is. Put simply, if something happens once, it could happen again. If something happens twice, it will most likely happen again.

Seems simple enough, but taken to another level, it implies all sorts of things. For example, when I talk about something happening twice, I am not just talking about something happening to me. If you see something happen to a lot of people, you have to believe it could happen to you. For example, if you see a number of people get fooled by something that seems obvious to you, you too could get fooled by something that should be obvious.

One of the areas I've previously applied this principle is in business ventures. I am sure this comes from my jaded past, but I believe it nonetheless. There are people who come up with an idea that seems so great and obvious they are sure they will be successful. Clearly, not everyone is successful. While I am smart, I don't think I am the smartest person alive. I have seen the above scenario happen to smart people. Given the above facts I have to believe it could happen to me.

This same principle applies to all sorts of beliefs. We can all be fooled. We can all be tricked. We can all be convinced. We can al believe something wholeheartedly because we want to believe it that much.

So how do we deal with this principle. I'm still working on that. The best I've come up with is to go under the assumption that everything you believe is up for debate. That doesn't mean you need to drop all your beliefs and become a Nihilist. It just means you have to accept that you are wrong in some areas and are not aware where those areas are. That, in all likelihood, you believe certain things under a number of false pretenses, not the least of which is your own stubbornness... my own stubbornness.

Posted by wonko at May 26, 2004 03:30 PM

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Comments

I see this is truly the law of nature, the law of the circle of life. It is real and it is not a "Belief" rather a fact. Cycles. Within the entire scope of the universe, everything occurs in cycles, in repitition. I sincere believe that we as humans limit ourselves to our "Box" in the venue of thinking and therefore we disallow ourselves the virtue of acceptance of "Reality" as it truly occurs around us. If we can not control, touch, see or feel it, it doesn't exist. How profusely nimble we have become in thinking that we are the center of the intelligent universe with this mentality. "What goes around comes around?"... hmmm, the reality that truly exists in that statement.

Posted by: pdhman at May 26, 2004 04:33 PM

One way to deal with it is by using experience as a filter. We belive the idea is valid, and we remember from experience why it failed. Often the cause of failure wasn't a faulty idea but a set of circumstances that prevented the idea from fully manifesting itself.
It is true that experience colors your perpective when reflecting on past ideas (whether successful or failed),and it's often difficult to discern a faulty idea from faulty execution, so it's often helpful to get perspectives from others who have similar experiences. Not so much a support group, but more of a group to act as a sounding board. Maybe get yourself a blog ;)
Seriously though, communication is important.

Posted by: Anonymous Bosch at May 27, 2004 09:43 AM

I concur with Anonymous Bosch. I find it sad when I hear of people who allow their past "failures" to cripple their future choices. Failures are opportunities to learn and grow. They are often painful, but they show that you are an active player in the game of life instead of merely an observer!

Posted by: Guidedog at May 27, 2004 11:18 AM

I think life all too often offers up, new and exiting openings and opportunities when things don't go as planned. Being openminded and fearless of change is crucial to making the best of these changes. How many times have people you know lost jobs, failed exams etc, only to be surprised by the eventual outcome!

Posted by: Markus at May 27, 2004 12:25 PM

I can see how people would interpret my post as saying you shouldn't try something you've failed before at. Thats not it at all. The important thing is to understand we are all human and fallible. In regards to trying something again that failed once. Experience is one of the most important aspects of life. Often it makes sense to try something again we know will likely fail, if for no other reason, than the experience. Action is often dictated by our beliefs. I am just saying that we need to question things openly. Question why we are doing or about to do something. Don't read too much into what I am saying, while my current situation is applicable, I did not write this as a direct response to that.

As to what Markus said. I'd already intended on writing a while entry on that very topic, so I'll leave it for later. In general, though, I agree. We seem to gravitate toward routine and a life less unexpected. We derive security from lack of surprise, but at the expense of experience and change. But thats all I'll say for now. I'm in Loan Pine and its too hot to be stopped on the side of the road.

Posted by: Wonko at May 27, 2004 12:46 PM

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