The Reason for Reason
By Randy Gage
In the last post we talked about the importance of having a purpose, and I said I think that this needs to be centered around your own happiness.
The next important fundamental value is running your life by reason. Which means that you analyze things with the criteria of whether it serves your highest moral purpose – which would be the perpetuation of your happiness.
The question people ask me the most is, ‘How do I know whether a belief I have is lack or prosperity oriented?’ This is actually quite easy. The question to ask is simply: “Does this belief serve me?”
And the way to discern that is with your rational mind. Emotions are good. They are a vital part of living a full and rich life. But the truly sane and emotionally balanced person will know – or will make it a point to discover – what is causing those emotions. Here’s the thing that most people don’t realize, however:
There does not have to be a clash between your emotions and reason.
Yes, you should allow yourself to experience emotions. But don’t make life-altering decisions based solely upon them. Feel your emotions, then learn what causes them. “Luke, use the Force.” But also involve your rational mind to decide what is in your highest good.
That means extend the situation to its logical conclusion, and see if the logic holds up. This is what Bob Burg meant in an earlier post when he said, “check your premises.”
Meaning, checking to ensure that if you pursue a particular course of action to its completion, if it will make you happy. If not, it is counterproductive to your existence.
This of course leads us to the third fundamental value: Self-Esteem. That’s where we’ll pick up next time. In the meantime, please check in with your thoughts on reason.
-RG
