What’s more important, being right or being thoughtful?
I’m a big fan of logic and reason and critical thinking (though I don’t claim to be particularly good at it). As a consequence, I often find myself struggling to reach conclusions on controversial topics. I think it’s important to consider different facts and opinions. Then, we should judge each opinion by a consistent standard (like, logic or morality). Since there are so many facts and opinions, this process can take a while, and it’s entirely possible to arrive at a different conclusion if you alter the process. So, the journey is long, and the destination is not obvious.
Often, we set off for a particular destination (or conclusion) without caring much for the journey. We see the destination from the start and assume that the path to get there must be rigorous and admirable. We just imagine the glory of reaching the end. But the journey we’re on may actually include a logical fallacy or a moral inconsistency of some sort. So, we run to the conclusion effortlessly, and, then, use our remaining energy to build a fort on top of that hill. We use high walls and a durable roof, since we have no plans to move any time soon. We block our own view of the surrounding peaks.
You see this kind of thing online every day. There is a social reward for coming to quick conclusions. People hurry to make memes or show support for a certain narrative, regardless of the circumstance. Usually, all of the facts/opinions are not even available for scrutiny at that moment. Yet, someone always comes to a quick decision and there is always a group of followers supporting that decision. This creates an illusion of goodness, and correctness, and virtue where it may not actually exist.
“Jumping to conclusions” will keep happening, and our social structures will continue to reward it. And a well-thought-out opinion may still be wrong in the end. But, at least, we should value the journey. That’s where the real virtue can be found. For example, we’ll find ourselves practicing more empathy. We’ll be more open to change and progress. We’ll learn more about the world. Most importantly, we’ll have a much better chance at finding the actual truth—which is the destination we are all ultimately seeking.
Ivan Cortes 