Cultivating Discernment in 2025

Schopenhauer said, "A constant flow of thoughts expressed by other people can staunch and deaden your own thoughts and your initiative." Do you ever feel that way? That the compelling words available to us now, 24/7 are often taking over our own thoughts and initiatives? There is so much information available to us now that we must grow in our ability to be discerning and critical thinkers. 

Instead of stopping reading (or listening) altogether, I highly recommend demonstrating a level of discernment when it comes to choosing which information to allow into your mind. Are you focusing on the words of a classicist that still ring true today or are the words the long-winded ramblings of someone who speaks without thinking? As we all know, there are many people online who are more than happy to share their opinions and ideas, and what we take on as our own ideas requires a high level of discernment and critical thinking before appropriation. Sometimes we can get caught up with the "wise words" of someone that we follow or admire, however in time realise that their words don't really fit our lives. I have allowed myself to be swayed by several influencers (I guess they're doing their job right!), and have even changed things around my home and in my behaviour but which in time I came to realise weren't a right fit for me and my family. 

Tolstoy expands on this idea by saying:

In this day and age, I think we can suggest that our "teachers" are those people that we follow online - perhaps they are bloggers, social media influencers, vloggers, online newspaper journalists, podcasters, or even the people who share their thoughts in the comments! Whether we like it or not we are allowing these thoughts to take place in our mind - we are giving them our time and our attention. It is only in the silence, in the quiet moments where there are no outside influences when we can stop and think about who we are and how what we are reading aligns with our own beliefs. Discernment is not often a quick process but one that requires time and deep thought. We don't want the words of others to staunch "the creation of [our] own thoughts to make room for the thoughts from books", as Schopenhauer goes on to say. 

Now, I am a big believer in books and learning and developing thoughts from people who have come before us, but just like being a critical thinker with online information we must also be discerning with the books that we read. I do not mean that we should only read those things that we agree with - otherwise how will we grow and learn? Books/articles are a wonderful way to connect with others, with our history and even with our future. They can build community and connection, but they can also breed hate and ignorance. It's important to read widely, but as Tolstoy reminds us, take 'only those things which you really need and really want to know.' A high level of self-awareness is important. If you are trying to find out who you are, consider taking a pause from all the information available to you and sit with yourself instead. Journal. Meditate. Tidy up your surroundings. Mull over those things that make you happy and those that don't. When you are ready, be discerning with who you are letting back into your life and what you plan to take away from them - myself included! If these words don't resonate with you then please, ignore them! Don't give them a second thought! But take a moment to think about why they don't resonate, why they aren't a good fit for your life. That way, you are increasing your own self-awareness.

Thanks for stopping by today - I know this topic is a little bit deeper than my usual articles, but as we move into the next quarter of this century and information continues to drown us, I thought it pertinent to raise this issue, for myself as much as for you! I hope you have a lovely weekend friends!