I got up from my writing laying sideways on the couch to go make my breakfast. I contemplated listening to a podcast or another philosophy video. Instead, I did the hard thing and chose silence instead. Silence may be inaccurate. I chose my mind instead. I have thoughts on my own, my mind runs - and usually I choose to silence it with content - a Joe Rogan podcast (to see what all the rage is about), a TED talk, The Daily, Fox News, or “Study Jazz”. There are a lot of media sources, and so much to consume.
I have days where every conscious waking moment involves looking at a screen or listening to a podcast.
Whenever - very infrequently - I take some time to just think, unguided, it feels nice. Sometimes I resolve a nagging issue that's been percolating in my mind, or reach a strong conviction or a crystalized thought. Yet the sweet call of dopamine coming from my pocket draws me in.
We're not thinking autonomously very much anymore - at least I know I'm not - most of the time, I'm allowing my thoughts to be led. It's easier.
Maybe the rise in polarization we're seeing in society is partially fueled by our collective rewiring of our brains. Are people who spend less time thinking autonomously more prone to blind acceptance of the dogmas of their tribes?
I have days where every conscious waking moment involves looking at a screen or listening to a podcast.
Whenever - very infrequently - I take some time to just think, unguided, it feels nice. Sometimes I resolve a nagging issue that's been percolating in my mind, or reach a strong conviction or a crystalized thought. Yet the sweet call of dopamine coming from my pocket draws me in.
We're not thinking autonomously very much anymore - at least I know I'm not - most of the time, I'm allowing my thoughts to be led. It's easier.
Maybe the rise in polarization we're seeing in society is partially fueled by our collective rewiring of our brains. Are people who spend less time thinking autonomously more prone to blind acceptance of the dogmas of their tribes?