2006-09-30 07:44:19 · 9 answers · asked by Source 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
I think it has more to do with being able to discern facts from fiction in the information you have at your disposal in making a decision and to not be swayed by rhetoric or passion in the presentation of those ideas. In other words, if I listen to two sides of an issue and decide that I agree with one side or the other, there's nothing wrong with that, contrary to what CS73 has stated. But if the reason I agree with one side or the other is based on their rhetoric or passion as opposed to the factuality of their supporting points, then I'm no longer thinking for myself.
2006-09-30 07:55:17 · answer #1 · answered by spongeworthy_us 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Something that's very hard to do. Nobody can really say that the opinions of others have no effect upon their thoughts and actions. But you can stop letting friends make your decisions for you. Our parents used to tell us, "If Joe & Sally jumped off a cliff, would you do THAT TOO?" Just think before you do things or state opinions, and don't let yourself fall into other people's attitudes.
But, as John & Paul wrote:
"There's nothing you can know that isn't known.
Nothing you can see that isn't shown."
(from "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles)
http://www.allspirit.co.uk/allyouneed.html
2006-09-30 14:58:01 · answer #2 · answered by mia2kl2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To think for ones self? Good question. Maybe to be able to make judgments and decision based on your own thoughts, believes, and feelings. But are they really your own. I mean your parents have made a imprint on you since birth. Are your thought/believes not really just a modified version of theirs? I love to answer a question with a question it is so much and it makes people think!
2006-09-30 14:58:04 · answer #3 · answered by pmktabbycat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We live in an age of experts and overspecialization. Much of the time "experts" in one field of endeavor don't ever consult with "experts" in other fields of endeavor. They don't see the need because they don't see or care to see the hidden connections. So our knowledge base has become in many ways fragmented and analytic instead of holistic and synthetic as it once was. And yet we invariably turn to the "experts" for their opinion when seeking solutions. At least as a society we do. There are countercurrents. Individuals exist who are willing to climb down the consensual mountain to the valley below and begin a new ascent, an ascent of one, climbing alone, bucking convention, perhaps enduring ridicule and disdain. Such a one, and I think they number few, is one who thinks for himself.
2006-09-30 15:00:53 · answer #4 · answered by Seeker 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means to put one's self first in one's thoughts. If there is no you in the equation then the equation does not work for you but against you.
2006-09-30 15:50:10 · answer #5 · answered by LORD Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To not allow other people's ideas or opinions affect the way you make your decisions. Not to care what other people think.
2006-09-30 14:49:57 · answer #6 · answered by Gudelos 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be the Source of/ in your life and be selfdetermined in livingness!
Trying to figure out what's the optimum in any situation, no matter how rough!
Ciao....John-John.
2006-09-30 17:17:35 · answer #7 · answered by John-John 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To figure what you need to do (about a certain subject or problem) and do it.
2006-09-30 14:51:34 · answer #8 · answered by parrothead2371 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Know your own mind and go from there.
2006-09-30 17:07:33 · answer #9 · answered by belle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋