Favorite Inspirational Quotes

Do not believe what you have heard. Do not believe in tradition because it is handed down many generations. Do not believe in anything that has been spoken of many times. Do not believe because the written statements come from some old sage. Do not believe in conjecture. Do not believe in authority or teachers or elders. But after careful observation and analysis, when it agrees with reason and it will benefit one and all, then accept it and live by it.

Buddha

This could lead to the philosophy to question everything. Just because someone tells you something or it is written down, even from someone who supposedly knows or is an acknowledged expert, this does not mean it is necessarily true…or true for me. I need to find the truth of anything for myself, from my own observation, experience and analysis. If this is to be followed, then there is little to no room for using the experiences of others as the truth in what to believe and to live by…no more “learn from my experience” unless I am able to observe or analyze for myself.

Maybe that is where the wisdom comes in for using the experiences of others. Don’t take at face value what they (gurus) tell you is the way things should be or the way you should live your life. Instead use your observational skills to see if this is actually how they conduct their businesses and lives. Then analyze what you observe and see if it will actually apply to your life.

It is the way I understand the Amish look at technology. They look at each piece to see how if it can or how it can fit in with their tenants of faith. They have no problem using telephones but do have a problem with them being in their own homes. Some have no problems using tractors in their fields to work but require special wheels so they can not be taken from the fields.

So, too, it is my opinion we should each look at what is being thrust at us or that we find in our searching in a similar way. Will this “thing” provide benefit to my life? How do I incorporate this wisdom or knowledge into my life? How can I best use this and live by it?

I am grateful for this new insight and will indeed begin to look to my own observation and analysis.