What Were You Thinking?
How many times as a youngster was that
screamed at you by an adult? Oh, you were already an adult? And after much in-depth
consideration you did it / said it / wrote it purposely anyway?
It’s unfortunate. Rational thoughts are subjective. What I think is rational, you may decide is
idiotic. (I’ve been told that more than a few times!)
RATIOCINATE (rashʹ ē äsʹɘ nātʹ) vi. – to think or argue logically,
reason; n. ratiocination; adj. ratiocinative. [WW #154]
According to whose ratiocination? Our minds
are not only complex, they’re dangerous. Beyond the mundane, we can individually justify anything—and as
represented in the skewed news media, often do—no matter how heinous the act
(in the minds of the majority).
Sigh. We are, after all, just stupid humans.
We didn’t pop out with a training manual in hand.
The Ten Commandments*
are as close as we’re gonna get to a set of social standards that apply to
humanity, in general. Regardless of your religion, the Big Ten spell out the
best earthly guidance we have, to ratiocinate through our daily lives.
Although there are several versions in diverse faiths,
here’s a general reminder of the iconic moral imperatives, with public behavior-related
directives bolded:
- I am the LORD thy God. You shall have no other gods before me
- No other graven images or likenesses
- Not take the LORD's name in vain
- Remember the sabbath day
- Honour thy father and thy mother
- Thou shalt not kill
- Thou shalt not commit adultery
- Thou shalt not steal
- Thou shalt not bear false witness
- Thou shalt not covet
We don’t come with a guarantee to “behave” and
each of us ratiocinates to a different drum beat regarding behavior. Nor
sadly, is RESPECT
built into us, for all other humans in whatever form they were given, as having
a right to be here, too. (Remember, NONE of us “asked” to be born.)
We have a responsibility as humans, to ratiocinate
to the best of our individual abilities. LIFE—yours and mine—is precious. When
we ignore that, we become less than human.
Word Challenge: RATIOCINATE. Well before our teens,
we learn basic right from wrong. If we keep that in mind, and add a healthy dose
of respect, our minds will form a ratiocinative foundation. Pop that
into your peace pipe and smoke it, as you as you fit ratiocinate into your week of thoughtful writings.
Write first for
yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
* The 1956 movie starring Charlton Heston is by
far the best way to learn about The Ten
Commandments.
LinDee
Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock &
Roll. She has published two books (of three) in her Blast from Your Past series, available on
Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon, … The Psychedelic Seventies!
E-N-D
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