A simple yet profound question:

Why think?

Of course there is the practical and functional purpose: we must think in order to eat, procure water, and not die of the cold.

But beyond our biological needs — what should we do with our brain-power and intellect?

My simple answer:

To create new artworks, to deepen human wisdom and knowledge, and to use this information to empower our lives.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste

It seems modern society is structured in a way to waste our minds.

For example, social media and digital media is optimized to distract and entertain us to the maximum. It isn’t designed to “empower” us. Ask yourself: “The last time I used Facebook, did I feel BETTER after using it, or WORSE?”

Knowledge is power! (School House Rock)

As much as education gets a negative flak, education (I think) is the ultimate way (in modern capitalist society) to empower yourself with knowledge.

Going to UCLA put me into contact with other great minds and thinkers. Also where I met my soulmate, Cindy.

Thus,

Thinking is useful because it allows us to unlock the keys of self-knowledge and empowerment.

In shorter words:

Thinking is a bridge to self-empowerment.

Thinking as subtractive

For myself whenever I think, I’m trying to stomp out what I consider bullshit from my mind.

Much of “common wisdom” in modern society makes no sense to me. Studying sociology at the undergraduate level helped empower me because it gave me the opportunity to challenge societal norms, and it gave me the opportunity to think for myself! (Shout our to Terri Anderson and Marc Jepson).

Thus for me, I define thinking as:

Challenging bullshit notions and ideas, and coming up with an answer which is personally satisfactory for yourself.

And also let us remember — what you consider your “personal truth” won’t apply to others (nor should it?)

Know yourself

The most satisfactory notion I’ve gained from studying philosophy is the advice written at the Oracle of Delphi:

Know thyself.

To make the idea more specific, I would say:

Everyday strive to know yourself more profoundly, in order to become more powerful.

Self-empowerment is our final goal — and self wisdom as simply a bridge to that final goal.

Never stop questioning, thinking, and challenging!

ERIC