Back in the 1930s, Robert Thouless published a book called ‘Straight and Crooked Thinking’. What I have always found useful is the appendix which contains a section called “Thirty-seven dishonest tricks commonly used in an argument with the methods of overcoming them” This very practical book examines how we use language, the meaning of words and thinking clearly about issues. It sought to shed light on the issues of the day. I believe it is just as current today as it was when it was first published.
In our current climate where people rush to put out opinions, we seem to have produced a reactive culture which undermines the reflective process. The urge of the instant response and the urgent concern which draws us away from ourselves. We surrender ourselves only to the immediate moment rather than considering how we come to that moment as ourselves. Our news is pre-digested and served to us in easy mouthfuls. This draws us away from considering what is important and being able to communicate in a way which sheds light on important issues.
The reason to think clearly is not to draw attention to ourselves but so that others may come to an understanding of where our light is called to shine. As a prayerful people, we are called to be people who love our God with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and to love our neighbour as ourselves. This is the heart of the Gospel.
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