From the Editor's Desk

A Spotlight on Current Events

Be a Lifelong Skeptic


Buddha

As the editor of this paper, do I know whether the articles I am choosing here are accurate, worthy enough and represent truth? Do I know whether their authors are presenting facts or making them up? Do I have the means to distinguish truth from propaganda?

It is not possible for anyone who disseminates information on current happenings to be present on the spot and witness an incident or accurately measure his or her conclusions with statistical evidence before presenting them. Most of the time, they reflect their worldviews and long held beliefs and assumptions.

Just because something appears in print does not mean that it is authentic or has the honesty of truth or the authority of facts.

One of the articles which I have presented today says, “Research findings that are probably wrong cited far more than robust ones, study finds.”

Another article says, “The most famous psychological studies are often wrong, fraudulent, or outdated. Textbooks need to catch up.”

I believe in these possibilities and probably manipulations one can use as evidence to draw conclusions or to support one’s assumptions and arguments. People do it habitually or for some reason. To distinguish the two approaches is a challenge.

I try my best to present a mix of articles in each issue on various subjects with an open mind. However, I cannot guarantee their accuracy or reliability.

I believe that in this age of information overload no one can guarantee truth and no one can really fact check opinions and judgments since the same truth, fact or incident can be interpreted in multiple ways to draw opposing and contradictory conclusions.

Our brains are made to work with maximum efficiency and speed to ensure our survival in critical times. For the same reason they are also made to shield us from ourselves and our own troubling truths.

It is why in many Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism a lot of emphasis has been placed on cultivating discriminatory intelligence, mental stability, detachment and mindfulness to cultivate discerning wisdom (prajna).

With these four, once can effectively process information and discern truths to cultivate right knowledge, right awareness and right understanding.

To anyone who cares to read this my suggestion is be a lifelong skeptic. Question everything, even your own decisions, conclusions and assumptions.

However, keep an open mind because you do not know where and how you may find truth.

Archives

The Antiquity of Shaivism

Your Life As a Hindu

Dealing With Misinformation About Hinduism

Hinduism in America

One Language policy in Indian Mileu<

The Future of Hinduism

Hindus Who are Critical of Hinduism

Secular Bias Against Hinduism


© 2012-2021 HinduismLive.com All Rights Reserved

Privacy || Termas of Use