Readings to Get You Through, Part 2
Thinking.....
As I stated in part 1, I was tasked by a close friend to create a series of essays that would help us in troubled times. I like to think these posts are helpful beyond what the current climate dictates, but there is no denying that they are more crucial now than ever.
Part 2 here is about thinking. We went over the anxiety, mourning, and depression aspect in Part 1, so I hope you are moving beyond that stage. Now, we need to think. More precisely, we should think about how we think and how we can be more discerning in our understanding of events that seem to swirl around us at a high velocity.
So here are some readings for you to try. Some will be about why you think the way you think, some will be about how to think differently, and some will explain how we can find meaning in what we believe and how that affects our everyday lives.
We can never move forward without a little thing called “self-awareness’, our ability to critically look at what WE are doing instead of what others do. Are my thoughts and actions in line with my belief system? Do my actions reflect the values I extoll to those around me and on social media? Do the people I associate with, vote for, and support monetarily or emotionally align with these values? What are my main motivations and goal outcomes when I begin a project, go to work, buy something, etc?
So here goes. I hope this list doesn’t get too “heady.”
The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan
Carl Sagan argues that scientific thinking is critical not only to the pursuit of truth but to the very well-being of our democratic institutions. This book is prescient, predicting many of the issues we face today. From the importance of skepticism in all things, the failings of human memory, the dangers of all kinds of dogma (witch-hunts, the inquisition, New Age healing, fundamentalist religion), bullshit detection such as understanding fallacious arguments, or sensationally fallacious media stories that use ad hoc, ad hominem, straw man appeal to ignorance, etc., and how all of this ties into the need for continual support of science, education and a literate social class. Its breadth is staggering and will have you reading it in a single sitting (or two.) It is an easy, approachable read.
Oh, and watch Cosmos while you’re at it.
Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
Remember the serendipity of wandering into a bookstore with no real mission planned? You wander around, looking at the various offerings on the shelves. Then, it jumps out at you - a book you know you must read. That is how I discovered this incredible little book.
A reflective and insightful exploration into Zen philosophy’s profound impact on martial arts training and personal growth. In this book, Hyams, a noted Hollywood columnist and martial artist, recounts his experiences and the lessons learned from training with legendary martial artists like Bruce Lee and Ed Parker, illustrating how Zen principles can enhance both martial arts practice and everyday life.
This is a guide to living a balanced and mindful life. The narrative provides a compelling argument for integrating Zen principles into daily practice, offering readers valuable insights into patience, discipline, and the continuous journey of learning and self-improvement. In times of trouble, understanding the practical application of Zen tenants can make the experience tolerable.
The Complete Essays by Michel de Montaigne
Montaigne is not one of the more well-known names of the great French philosophers of the Renaissance period, but his influence is far-reaching. Michel de Montaigne's "Essays" are a collection of personal reflections that explore a wide range of topics like human nature, knowledge, morality, and society, often through the lens of his own experiences, with a central theme of skepticism and a focus on the limitations of human understanding, famously captured by his phrase "What do I know?" ("Que sais-je?") - essentially encouraging readers to question assumptions and embrace self-awareness through honest introspection. This is one of the original sources for developing self-awareness and skepticism.
Montaigne’s exercise of judgment is an exercise of “natural judgment,” meaning that judgment does not need any principle or rule as a presupposition. In this way, many aspects of Montaigne’s thinking can be considered skeptical, although they were not used for the sake of skepticism. For example, when Montaigne considers doubt a good start in education, he understands doubt as part of forming judgment. This process should lead to wisdom, characterized as “always joyful.” 1
This is a book that needs to be ingested slowly and thoughtfully. Unlike the previous books mentioned here, Montaigne deserves long, careful reflection when reading, applying the ideas to your current reality, and seeing how they mirror or refute your current situation. Doubt and skepticism can go a long way in nurturing your critical thinking skills IF done correctly. Montaigne shows you how.
The Critical Thinking Library by Linda and Paul Elder
I first learned of the Foundation for Critical Thinking when I was in my first Masters program at Rutgers University - Newark (Jazz History and Research, ‘09). We had the option to take a course titled “College Teaching.” taught by Lion F. Gardner (author of a great book on education entitled “Redesigning Higher Education”), and it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening experiences in my career.
This book suggestion is more than one book, but rather a series of books as well as an online resource. The pathway to critical thinking is not straight; it takes determination and effort to achieve the level of critical thinking we need today to process the myriad of sources thrown at us every day. Perusing the Foundation for Critical Thinking site, you will find resources in various formats to help with your education. There is a page (here) of small pamphlets that walk the student through the various aspects of developing critical thinking, which are very easily digestible and informative enough to give you work that avoids feeling overwhelming.
Their mission statement explains:
“Whereas society commonly promotes values laden with superficial, immediate "benefits," critical thinking cultivates substance and true intellectual discipline. Critical thinking asks much from us, our students, and our colleagues. It entails rigorous self-reflection and open-mindedness — the keys to significant changes.
Critical thinking requires the cultivation of core intellectual virtues such as intellectual humility, perseverance, integrity, and responsibility. Nothing of real value comes easily; a rich intellectual environment — alive with curious and determined students — is possible only with critical thinking at the foundation of the educational process.”
This is a rabbit hole, for sure. But one that is absolutely essential in the current misinformation climate in which we now exist.
Within each of these books, there is a labyrinth of paths that you can go down to explore each topic (or topics) further. Look into the bibliographies of the books you read and discover the sources of the ideas you just read, then pursue them to get different perspectives. Then, when reading a news source or a post on social media, think about these concepts and how you can apply them. Make them a part of your daily practice, and it will soon become a natural part of what you do.
This list could easily expand to a hundred books, but the important thing in learning how you think and building self-awareness is not quantity. It is sitting with the ideas, mulling them over, putting the book down, and just THINKING about what you have read and how it dovetails with your current belief system - or directly refutes it. The trick is maintaining the open pipeline to understanding and not having a knee-jerk reaction to an idea that may not jive with your current beliefs, be they religious, political, or cultural.
It is not easy changing your mind. But you need an open, critical brain to survive - and thrive - in this world. And if you find yourself at a point where you need to fight for your right to think freely, you will know exactly what to do.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montaigne/#MonRel