(6 minute read)

(From previous post): Even if we are not provided the source we should be able to do a little searching to find out.

The statement “and the high rate of divorce is responsible?” The statistic must be proven for this to be the case. Otherwise, the factual statement (the statistic) becomes a statement of fact with an opinion attached (divorce rate).

Politicians skew statistics like this all the time.

The Benefits Are Amazing

The things (we) think about determine the quality of (our) mind. (Our) soul takes on the color of (our) thoughts.

Marcus Aurelius. Meditations

Up to this point we have looked at several things to help us decide fact from fiction. They’ve included:

1. Being committed to finding and telling the truth and calling falsehoods, false
2. Examining and knowing our own biases
3. Being committed to using logic and reasoning and not the opinions of others as a main source
4. Suspend snap judgments
5. Consider all sides of an issue despite how uncomfortable it makes us feel

Benefits Of Establishing Fact From Fiction

There is the obvious benefit of having peace of mind. There is confidence in knowing yourself as someone determined to seek for and determine truths. There are a number of other benefits to living a life ruled by reason and logic.

• Problems are clearly defined, vital questions precisely raised, and answers are honestly gained and provided

When we commit to this way of living, life becomes clearer to us. We know what questions to ask to find the answers we need. These answers determine truths. We understand that it’s impossible for anyone to know everything. But we try and the answers we give are provided truthfully. If we don’t know, we admit it. We then conclude with the best answer we can find based on logic and not opinion.

For eight years comedian Dennis Miller had his own 30-minute comedy program on HBO. He ended his opening monologue with the cue, “Now I don’t want to get off on a rant here…” and then launched into a sardonic one. He softened his delivery at the end by saying, “Of course that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.”

It was a pitch perfect delivery of comedy.

I think that’s the perfect attitude to adopt. We do our best knowing we could be wrong but are open to correcting course if needed.

• Relevant information is gathered using abstract ideas to interpret effectively

While information is being gathered it helps to have an attitude of openness. Einstein often spoke about unexpected ideas and solutions appearing from thinking outside the box.

I regularly recommend to students books that have nothing to do with their field of study. An anthropologist wrote one of the most insightful works about the media. Another wrote about the internal lives of chefs, renowned and otherwise.

Why do I recommend these works? Because I have found these works to be personally insightful. They have provided a unique viewpoint or context that is easily adaptable to my personal and professional life.

Being open to these new ideas expands our knowledge and ability to communicate in ways we may have never considered.

• Well reasoned conclusions are made and tested against relative criteria and standards

We continue to practice using the process and gain more confidence. We know that this way of logical thinking has been a long-standing proven tradition. We are less given to falsehoods, questionable methods, or snap judgments when coming to conclusions.

If we get stuck on where to start our inquiry, we have a road map to help us get there. We also have access to these time-tested applications. The applications rely less on what people say or do. Instead, they rely on the power of our own use of logic.

As we always do, we are constantly testing ourselves. (*In this video VlogBrothers host Hank Green details how fact checking is a vital constant practice against our own biases)

We check to see if we are suspending our snap judgments and being truthful to the process. We do this while making the necessary inquiries.

• Open mindedness about alternative systems of thought, recognizing their assumptions, implications, consequences

Part of the human condition is the idea that we are unique in our thoughts, judgments, and conclusions. We are not. Each of us are a product of the ideas, beliefs, biases, and assumptions. They make up our worldview, how we see, define, and interact with the world. These assumptions have accumulated over time. They result from exposure to opinions from our family, friends, communities, and institutions.

When we begin to test these assumptions we are beginning to form “our” worldview using logic and reasoning. For some, this testing may be for the very first time. Finding others that are committed to the process is just as important. It is a satisfying accomplishment to know we have come to our own conclusion. Our assumptions have either held up, need altering, or completely failed and need to be rebuilt.

Fully knowing why we think, feel, or believe a certain way is empowering.

• Communicates effectively with others in figuring out solutions to complex problems

Finally, the practice of using sound logic boosts our confidence in our own abilities. Working with others becomes easier. We’ve spent time learning and getting to know ourselves. We understand how we think and what our strengths and weaknesses are. Working in groups and meeting new people is no longer intimidating. We are confident because we know how we fit in and where we can provide solutions.

Our personalities are still the same. There won’t be much change there. But where we need help we gain confidence to look for it. If we are introverted we overcome any fear factor by using tools we learned to deal with others. Likewise, if we are outgoing, then we know where, when, and if we should dial it back a bit.

Either way we are no longer the outsider looking in, or the individual not sure where they fit in. We remain confident in our ability to determine fact from fiction. We are eager to be with others who share the same values. We also want to be with those who desire to learn and experience what we’ve learned.

And we gladly pay-it-forward.

Read part 6 of Decoding Lies