Most of us believe we are open to new ideas. But are we? What happens when someone challenges something we’ve believed for years—or suggests that what we’ve always done might be wrong? Do we examine the evidence, or immediately begin defending ourselves? History shows that the consequences of refusing to reconsider our beliefs can be far more serious than we imagine.

I am a person who likes and enjoys change. I am bored with routine. In contrast most people resist change for a variety of reasons.  Why do you think that is the case?  It avoids reality. One common saying is “The only constant in life is change.” Having been blessed to live 85 years, major change is evident to me. The 1940’s and 50’s culture is nothing like today. Growing most believed absolute truth existed. Not anymore. Morality was based on Judeo-Christian principles. Today you create your own self and moral code.  I grew up with electricity or running water. Today I am writing this on computer that is far more powerful that the primitive computer that assisted man going to the moon.

Many resist change out of habit. Others because any challenge to their action and thinking is an attack on them personally.  Another problem is confirmation bias—attributing any reasoning to confirm what they already think and do. If the answer to Why actually demands change in behavior, they is both threatening and stressful.  Who wants to deal with that?  If a change in what one thinks is true  or a change in behavior is required, the threat to becoming a social outcast is real.

So, how does one know what he thinks and believes is true?  I suggest it begins by asking the simple child-like question of “Why?” Buy “why” should we ask “why”? A little reflection answers the question.  Not asking the question can have life-threatening consequences.  The Space Challenger exploded in 1968 killing all on board. Managers failed to ask why previous launces were successful even with a known defect in the booster O-ring seals. In the medical field there is the famous case of Semmelweis who signific ally deceased the mortality rate of women giving birth by the washing of hands with chlorine in the water. The medical profession failed to ask why with continued mortality for many years.

I suggest asking what we believe what we believe is one of many necessary questions for a productive and satisfying life.  What is truth?  What is the meaning of life? How do we make the right choices between competing possible scenarios?   All flow from the innate curiosity that has been dulled by habit and self-satisfaction of current circumstances.   

Do you know the reasons you think what you think and do what you do?..