Greg Rolfe

3 years ago · 2 min. reading time · ~10 ·

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Some terrifying truths behind decision making

Some terrifying truths behind decision making

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I choose to read and watch a few arguments for and against mask wearing. Why you might ask, I was curious what people where thinking. After a while I noticed that very few if any on either side used actual facts. I found it very curious. The very vast majority simply said do as I tell you or you are stupid. Why?

Why have we downgraded our advice column to agree with me or you are just beneath me. Are we truly lacking in facts to guide our thinking? One gentleman's demonstration was so absurd that he even commented on how the results were not what he anticipated. He failed to take into account that not all liquids have the same viscosity. Nor was he aware of what 6 feet looked like. And those were just the most blaring problems. But lets not forget the anti-mask guy that had but one reason to not wear a mask, he did not like the governor of his state. Are these truly the way we make decisions?

Are we making decisions based on opinion? Have we stopped thinking and are simply reacting? Now I understand that not all our decisions are this influenced by our society, or are they? The terrifying truth is that a vast number of our decisions are indeed severely influenced by our society not facts.

We tend to determine what we do, not because we look at facts and reasons but instead on what others think and have already done. For example last time you looked at buying a product did you check the remarks on line? Of course you did, you notice the star rating and placed that as a high influence on your purchase. Did you read the comments? You should do so. Some of the people commenting have as little facts supporting their comments as the two men I mentioned above.

Lets be honest this mask situation is being touted as the only way to save people from death. So should we not be taking this decision serious? Yet it appears to be a very large opinion column, even the CDC original statement was they aren't necessary then they changed to try them they appear to be having an impact. Now “appear” sounds like an interesting term to use.

My only point here is this, you make tons of decisions daily. Some of you make decisions that effect may people other than yourselves. Do you know how and upon what you are making your decisions? The most terrifying truth of them all is I do not believe most of us do.

My opinion is not a fact regardless of how much I believe it to be true. My opinion is simply that, mine. If you choose to let it influence you, thank you. But if you choose not to, that too is fine. Find something solid to base your decisions on. That will make a difference in the long run.

Blessings!


#fact #truth #decision #people #opinion
Comments

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #25

#26
Harvey Lloyd I love Alistair Beg & will listen to the video "The power of proper thinking" This is my desire ... "learning to think about everything from a perspective that is constrained by the revealed truth of God’s Word" Here is a principle that I have learned through decades of study in "the revealed truth of God’s Word" Right thinking produces right actions & Wrong thinking produces wrong actions Or said another way: "Proper thinking produces proper actions & Improper thinking produces improper actions

Harvey Lloyd

3 years ago #24

#24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8Dd1We3PXg&t=164s When i lose sight of the word truth and what it is. This is my goto reminder. Truth always must lean up against something created. Because truth alone can not stand by itself within the human paradigm. SO the question is what does truth lean upon? Me, you or maybe my favorite candidate? Immediately this becomes subjective to a truck load of biases owned by the many involved. My truth comes from scripture. It leans hardily upon that post. It doesn't change, does not offend nor does it make me proud of the Grace i have received, i am humbled. Fay Vietmeier if you have not already, take a moment and look at the postmodern thoughts of relativism. The pastor above touches on it but once seen you can find that many use this concept to validate truth. "I must be good because you are bad" Astonishing.

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #23

Greg Rolfe Harvey Lloyd Thought on "decision-making" Each person gets to choose their own way ... choose their own "truth" ... their decisions will determine their destiny. TRUTH is speaking to us during our brief earthly journey. It has been said “there are many paths but only One Way” One path offers eternal LIFE … the others are a mystery We FREELY choose the path we take ... the rest is history Do you know the ONE who can make you FREE. Will you accept His dare? “I am the Way. I am the Truth & Life” said Christ. HIS life ... God did not spare. “He laid down His life for us.” By His SACRIFICE our brokenness can be repaired. Jesus is the “Glorious-Glue.” He will “make all things new.” His GRACE is everywhere. The GOOD news: We are not alone. Not left as orphans. Each day our burdens, He bears. “It is for freedom that Christ set us FREE.” Love others AS yourself. Such LOVE does all forbear. His invitation “Follow Me.” I AM the Good Shepherd, your place in eternity, I have gone to prepare. “Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.” ~ Malcolm Muggeridge https://www.bebee.com/producer/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania/breaking-free

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #22

Harvey Lloyd Greg Rolfe I agree: Not all "facts" contain Truth ... "and truth withheld as they might dissuade from our position" Because we are gifted free will: everyone does have their own "opinions" & "beliefs" Many people do NOT question the Source of Standard of their beliefs (which form their opinions) When I endeavor to share "Truth" ... it is ALWAYS based on Jesus Christ, who is "Truth" ... the ONE Harvey spoke of "We know one other who paid that price and not for Himself." The point I was making is that only Truth is Truth Whether we believe it understand or ignore it (only) Truth is Truth. I am not the Source or Standard of Truth ... nor is any finite being. The Source & Standard of Truth is Almighty, Infinite God. “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth” Plato Who knew this more than Jesus Christ, Who declared: "I AM TRUTH" ... He "came from the Father full of grace & truth" "Truth passes through three phases: ... First it is ridiculed ... Second it is fiercely and violently opposed. Third, it becomes self-evident.”- Arthur Schopenhauer The thought that leapt into my mind when I read this quote … had to do with Jesus Christ Jesus referred to Himself as: (I AM) “Truth” Jesus was “ridiculed” (especially by the religious establishment: the teachers of the law, scribes & Pharisees) The rejection (from “educated” religious leaders) further escalated … Jesus was “fiercely and violently opposed” And then after the death & resurrection of Christ … the Truth became “self-evident”

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #21

John Rylance I'm repeating I would say this is true: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" I agree Truth is beautiful

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #20

We each an opinion hold, we each a position believe. Facts are told and truth withheld as they might dissuade from our position. Careful when you place your title on the line. Many will find that they have fallen from respect if indeed they ever had it.

John Rylance

3 years ago #19

#19
maybe as Keats says in the Ode to a Grecian Urn Truth is beauty Beauty truth Thats all ye need to know

Harvey Lloyd

3 years ago #18

2nd go round here. But this time reading i had to chuckle at the reality of the statements made. Did want to state that all the credentials of truth have been reduced to romper room brochures. When someone said they were an Attorney, Journalist or other professional, the statement would invoke automatic respect and reverence to their opinion. We may or may not fold it into our truth. Lots has been stated about truth, but like money truth must be spent inside a risk environment. Your truth most meet your risk demands/tolerances and rewards. Somehow though someone else's truth is now developing my risk profile as they demand i agree with their truth. This can be said easier when we look at the loss of freedom. If i self determine with my truth, i live and die by that truth. We know one other who paid that price and not for Himself. We should have the same courage as He did and commit to that truth and act.

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #17

John Rylance I want to ask your forgiveness John ... sometimes this "bee" just takes flight My response was more about "what QUALIFIES as Truth" ... if a listening mind is filled with Truth, it could rightly be said "Truth is in the mind of that listener"

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #16

John Rylance I would say this is true: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #15

John Rylance We are "broken" (fractal) beings ... thus our minds are fractal (broken) This is why Jesus came to save us form our sinful - broken selves ... to redeem & restore & renew humanity "The Fractal State of Humanity" https://www.bebee.com/producer/@fay-vietmeier-pennsylvania/the-fractal-state-of-humanity-the-hidden-forces-at-work-for-you-against-you

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #14

John Rylance Greg Rolfe John You say: "Truth is in the mind of the listener." (this bee doth disagree ;~) Whether we believe it or understand or ignore it (only) Truth is Truth. I am not the Source or Standard of Truth ... nor is any finite being. The Source & Standard of Truth is Almighty, Infinite God. I just responded to a comment about Truth (on my post) and it applies here so I’ll share it: “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth” Plato Who knew this more than Jesus Christ, Who declared: "I AM TRUTH" ... He "came from the Father full of grace & truth" "Truth passes through three phases: ... First it is ridiculed ... Second it is fiercely and violently opposed. Third, it becomes self-evident.”- Arthur Schopenhauer The thought that leapt into my mind when I read this … had to do with Jesus Christ Jesus referred to Himself as: (I AM) “Truth” Jesus was “ridiculed” (especially by the religious establishment: the teachers of the law, scribes & Pharisees) The rejection (from “educated” religious leaders) further escalated … Jesus was “fiercely and violently opposed” And then after the death & resurrection of Christ … the Truth became “self-evident” (Jesus had foretold the events that would occur – once they unfolded: there were witnesses & there is an historical account “proof” as it were /if any cares to read a present day investigation "The Case for Christ" as told by (Attorney) Lee Strobel

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #13

#14
Hello John Rylance you are very accurate in your opinion that you quickly believe what you desire to believe. So indeed it would only take one opinion to create truth for you. So the new yet very old question is what is truth that is actually true? There are a bunch of posts on this topic, and I mean a bunch. Few actually offer any solution to the question. (of the ones I read). That I found interesting. Is truth simply "in the mind of the listener"?

John Rylance

3 years ago #12

#8
#13 You can get two people to agree to disagree. Perhaps that qualifys as a truth. How many people does it take for you to believe something? One But only if you really want to believe it Truth is in the mind of the listner.

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #11

Greg Rolfe I liked your "jest" "if two opinions agree does that make a fact? " Perhaps a post ? Even a million "facts" do not comprise Truth

Fay Vietmeier

3 years ago #10

#6
Vivian Chapman In recent weeks, The Lord has me writing much on Wisdom I love the way you explained this Vivian: deep wisdom & practical wisdom "An additional remark about decision-making is that the bible has two different kinds of Wisdom. One is the deep kind. The other is "practical wisdom". I find the latter fascinating. I would suggest that for a born-again believer who has the "Mind of Christ" indwelling them, that often common sense is a good basis for decision making because I believe it can stem from the "Practical Wisdom" of God."

Ken Boddie

3 years ago #9

#8
Agreed ... and that's a fact! 😂🤣😂

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #8

#7
Harvey Lloyd mentioned those representing authority have not been completely consistent and as you mentioned the bipolar positioning of the supporters causes anyone attempting to actually find some truth a massive headache.

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #7

#6
Hi Vivian Chapman very glad to hear from you! Indeed God does reveal His wisdom in different ways as you describe. Nice addition! As it applies to the discussion your advising us to listen to "good sense". And here I am using "Good" as godly. That is if I understood you correctly.

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #6

#4
Ken Boddie I tend to agree with your opinion. So if two opinions agree does that make a fact? I jest but I sense that many might believe it.

Harvey Lloyd

3 years ago #5

Interesting thoughts. Facts are illusive sometimes, because we don't understand, lack access to quality data or maybe just to lazy. But there is one thing regardless of facts that applies across the board. We can call it the second greatest commandment or the golden rule. All opinions shared should be viewed through this lens. Today these great rules or lens we should seek other humans through, have been replaced with idols. Not necessarily biblical idols but idols surrounding causes. Join a cause and crusade against those who don't believe. This relationship gives us purpose and commitment for a short period. But each cause will have to escalate in outcome to achieve the same feeling. "What have you done for me today"? As to the mask it feel as though i am being gamed in some way. But nevertheless a sign on the door of the establishment says i need a mask. I have the choice to wear one or not go in. This is my perogative. But should i choose to go in, i must choose love my neighbor and abide by the wishes on the door. Doesn't really matter how i might feel or the facts at hand.

Ken Boddie

3 years ago #4

This matter of opinion, Greg, and the foundations on which opinions are made are, as you suggest, often poorly formed and may not always stand up to scrutiny. Perhaps we should take care that our foundations are strong enough to support our opinions. After all, this is also a matter of ‘a pinion’.

Pascal Derrien

3 years ago #3

The world has become very binary lately..... as far as I am concerned I wear because I care

Greg Rolfe

3 years ago #2

John Rylance Yes indeed. Money is always a motive for position. 700,000 Wow.

John Rylance

3 years ago #1

A point to ponder. I looked at what was on offer on line re. Face masks particularly those with things like Wear a mask save a life on them. The site informed me there were some 700,000 designers world wide, offering masks with either designs or words on them. Even if the number is exaggerated, theres a lot of people making money out of the virus. Expect any day a mask saying Support your local entrepreneur Wear a mask

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