Month: Aug 2024

  • Both views are riveting

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    The secret to a happy life is to not think too much about the life you’re living. The lightning looks exciting. However, it isn’t something that you want to see all the time, whereas the beautiful day is always appreciated. Please enjoy Ben’s story.

    Ben’s story.

    Ben had always been a thinker. From a young age, he had a mind that never seemed to rest. Every decision, big or small, was analysed, dissected, and considered from every possible angle. His friends used to joke that he could overthink a glass of water, and truth be told, they weren’t far off. Ben worried about his career, relationships, and even the way he walked down the street—constantly wondering if he was doing it all wrong.

    In his twenties, Ben’s overthinking became more than just a quirk. It started to affect his health. He struggled with insomnia, often lying awake at night, replaying conversations and decisions from the day. Anxiety was a constant companion, gnawing at him until he felt paralysed by the weight of his thoughts.

    One day, after yet another sleepless night, Ben found himself sitting in a small café on the outskirts of town. It was a place he rarely visited, seeking refuge from the bustle of his usual haunts. He sat by the window, nursing a cup of coffee, when he overheard an elderly man at the next table talking to the waitress.

    The old man was chuckling, his voice full of warmth and wisdom. “You know, the secret to a happy life is to not think too much about the life you’re living,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. The waitress smiled and nodded, but Ben was struck by the simplicity of the statement.

    Ben mulled over the old man’s words for days. He tried to ignore them at first, dismissing them as just another piece of advice in a world full of it. But something about that idea clung to him, gently nagging at the back of his mind. What if the man was right? What if happiness wasn’t about finding all the answers but about simply living the questions.

    Determined to try a different approach, Ben started small. Instead of analysing every choice, he began to trust his instincts. He stopped obsessing over what others thought of him and instead focused on enjoying their company. He didn’t plan out every minute of his day but allowed himself to go with the flow.

    The change wasn’t immediate, but slowly, Ben began to feel lighter. The constant knot of anxiety in his chest loosened. He slept better, laughed more, and found joy in the little things—things he would have overlooked before in his quest to “get it right.”

    One day, as Ben was walking through the park, he noticed how the sunlight filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow on everything it touched. He realised, in that moment, that he wasn’t thinking about anything at all. He was simply being—living the life in front of him without questioning it without dissecting it. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly at peace.

    Years passed, and Ben became known among his friends as someone who was easygoing, happy, and content. They often asked him how he managed to stay so calm and positive, especially when life got tough.

    He would smile, remembering the words of the old man in the café. “The secret,” he would say, “is to not think too much about the life you’re living. Just live it.”

    And so Ben did. He embraced the present, letting go of the endless questions and doubts. And in doing so, he found the happiness that had eluded him for so long.

  • At the end of the day

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    Ben had always been fascinated by the stars. As a child, he would lie on his back in the middle of the vast Kansas fields, his eyes scanning the heavens, wondering what secrets the universe held. His grandmother often told him stories of the constellations, pointing out Orion’s belt, the Big Dipper, and the Seven Sisters. She would speak of ancient travellers who navigated by starlight, of myths and legends spun around the twinkling dots above. But there was one story that captivated Ben more than any other—the tale of those who believed that when they died, their souls would become stars, shining forever in the nightsky.

    As Ben grew older, his love for the stars never waned. He pursued a career in astrophysics, spending long hours in observatories, peering through powerful telescopes that brought him closer to the cosmos. He marvelled at the nebulae, distant galaxies, and dying stars, feeling a deep connection to the universe that extended beyond mere curiosity. It was as if the stars called to him whispered secrets only he could understand.

    Ben’s life was full, yet he always felt a pull, a subtle yet constant yearning for something beyond. He dedicated his life to unravelling the mysteries of the universe, discovering new celestial bodies, and advancing humanity’s understanding of the cosmos. His colleagues admired his passion, though they often joked that Ben seemed to have one foot in the stars already.

    Years passed, and Ben’s achievements piled up, earning him respect and accolades from the scientific community. Yet, with each discovery, each revelation about the universe, that feeling inside him grew stronger—the sensation that his journey was leading somewhere else, somewhere far beyond Earth.

    One evening, as he sat in his observatory, now an older man, Ben felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The sky was unusually clear, and the stars seemed to shine with an intensity he had never noticed before. He realised then, with a certainty that startled him, that his life on Earth was drawing to a close. But instead of fear or sadness, he felt only a deep, abiding calm because he felt like the stars were calling him home.

    In the weeks that followed, Ben’s health began to decline. His friends and family gathered around, offering comfort and support, but Ben was at peace. He spent his final days surrounded by those he loved, sharing stories and reflecting on the life he had lived. But every night, he would ask to be taken outside, to lie beneath the stars one last time.

    On the last night, as he gazed up at the familiar constellations, he whispered to the sky, “I’m ready.”

    Ben closed his eyes, feeling his spirit begin to lift, as if it were weightless. The stars above seemed to shimmer more brightly, as if welcoming him. His breathing slowed, his heartbeat softened, and then, with a gentle sigh, Ben’s earthly journey came to an end.

    Remember, it’s a journey nobody should fear because it’s an unavoidable trip everyone will take.

  • Everyone has their own demons

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    “Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Plato

    Everyone has their own demons, those inner struggles and fears that haunt them in silence. These challenges, whether rooted in past traumas, self-doubt, or unfulfilled desires, shape our lives in profound ways. They are often invisible to others, yet they influence our decisions, behaviors, and even our sense of self-worth. While some may face their demons head-on, others may bury them deep within, but they remain, waiting to be acknowledged and confronted. The people who don’t confront their demons head-on are inclined to suffer from dis-ease, it’s their body’s way of calling for help. However, it’s not the body that needs help. It’s their thoughts that need to be adjusted.

    How to adjust your thoughts.

    Observe your negative thoughts, find the source, and release your attachment to that time and place.

  • Does everyone pretend to be someone else?

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    I believe that there’s depth to almost everyone you meet that they hide because they’re afraid of not fitting in. I used almost because there are people in this world who don’t have a filter between their thoughts and their words, but they are rare. The following story is about Ben, who has a knack for identifying people’s true nature. I hope you enjoy his story.

    Ben’s story.

    Ben had always been a deep thinker. From a young age, he was drawn to the mysteries of the universe, the complexities of human emotions, and the philosophical questions that seemed to defy simple answers. While his peers were busy with games and chatter, Ben often found himself lost in thought, pondering the intricacies of existence.

    Despite his introspective nature, Ben possessed a rare gift—he could communicate effortlessly with anyone, even those who appeared only interested in the more superficial aspects of life. He understood that not everyone shared his fascination with the profound, but rather than withdrawing, he embraced the challenge of bridging the gap between his world and theirs.

    In secondary school, Ben was a quiet presence. He could discuss the latest trends, seamlessly blending into conversations about fashion, social media, or the newest viral sensation. But beneath his easygoing demeanour, he was always listening, always thinking. He knew that people often concealed their deeper thoughts behind superficial conversations, and he had a knack for gently guiding them to reveal more of themselves.

    One afternoon, during lunch, Ben found himself sitting with a group of students who were animatedly discussing a popular reality TV show. The conversation was light, filled with gossip and speculation about the contestants. Ben chimed in with a few comments, making everyone laugh. But then he noticed something—one of the girls, Sarah, seemed unusually quiet.

    As the conversation shifted, Ben turned to Sarah. “You don’t seem too interested in the show,” he said with a smile. “Is there something else on your mind?”

    Sarah hesitated, glancing at the others. “It’s silly,” she said finally. “I just keep thinking about how fake it all seems, like everyone’s just pretending to be something they’re not. It makes me wonder if we’re all doing the same thing, just in different ways.”

    Ben nodded, sensing the depth behind her words. “It’s not silly at all. I think a lot of people feel that way but don’t know how to express it. It’s easier to focus on the surface stuff than to question what’s underneath.”

    Sarah looked at him, surprised. “You really think so?”

    “Absolutely,” Ben replied. “Everyone has those thoughts at some point. But it takes courage to voice them.”

    The conversation shifted from the reality show to a discussion about authenticity and the pressure to conform. Others at the table, initially hesitant, began to share their own experiences, slowly peeling back the layers of their thoughts. What had started as a superficial chat had transformed into something much deeper, all because Ben had recognised the potential for more.

    Over time, Ben became known for his ability to draw out the unspoken thoughts of those around him. People would approach him with casual topics, but somehow, the conversations always ended up touching on something more meaningful. Ben never forced it; he simply listened, observed, and gently guided.

    He realised that his gift was not just in thinking deeply but in understanding that everyone had depths within them, even if they didn’t always show it. By connecting with people on their level and then subtly leading them into deeper waters, Ben found a way to satisfy both his need for meaningful connection and his desire to understand the world.

    In a society that often favoured the superficial, Ben remained true to his nature, using his unique ability to bridge the gap between the shallow and the profound. He discovered that even in a world of seemingly superficial people, there was always depth to be found—if only you knew how to look.

  • If everybody caught the critical thinking virus

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    If critical thinking was a virus that could become a pandemic, then the world would become a very different place to live. Of course, not everyone will be happy with this new way of thinking, but you can’t please everyone. The following story is a fictional representation of the outcome of the critical thinking pandemic. Enjoy.

    The critical thinking pandemic

    The Day It Began

    It started like any other day in the small city of Waterford in Ireland. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the sleepy streets. People were waking up, grabbing their morning coffee, and scrolling through their social media feeds, blissfully unaware that the world was about to change forever.

    At 8:32 AM, an unusual alert pinged on every device connected to the internet. The message was simple: “Critical Thinking: Version 2.0 Update Available. Install now?”

    Most people dismissed it as some kind of glitch or a strange marketing stunt. But those who clicked on it immediately felt… different. Their minds became sharper, more focused. Thoughts that once felt hazy were now clear and precise. Questions they had never considered asking before suddenly seemed urgent.

    By noon, the effects had spread far beyond Waterford. Reports flooded in from across the globe—people were asking questions they had never asked before. Conspiracy theories that had thrived on blind belief were being dissected and debunked with unprecedented speed. News outlets were bombarded with demands for transparency and accountability. Memes and misinformation struggled to gain traction as millions began cross-referencing sources and verifying claims before sharing anything.

    Week 1: The Awakening

    Within the first week, the “Critical Thinking Pandemic” had taken over the world. It was as if a veil had been lifted from humanity’s collective consciousness. People no longer accepted information at face value. They demanded evidence, logic, and reason.

    Governments, corporations, and media outlets were caught off guard. Politicians who had built careers on empty promises and emotional appeals were suddenly facing a public that wouldn’t settle for vague answers. In press conferences, reporters asked piercing questions, forcing leaders to think on their feet or risk being exposed as incompetent or deceitful.

    Social media platforms experienced a seismic shift. Posts that once went viral for their sensationalism now garnered little attention unless they were backed by solid reasoning. Influencers who built their following on clickbait and drama found their audiences dwindling as people turned to experts and scholars for insight.

    Even in personal relationships, the change was palpable. Conversations became more meaningful. Friends and family members who once argued over trivial matters now engaged in deep discussions, seeking to understand each other’s perspectives rather than simply winning the argument. People began to read more, learn more, and think more deeply about the world around them.

    Week 2: The Resistance

    As the pandemic of critical thinking spread, it also met resistance. Not everyone welcomed this new way of thinking. Some felt overwhelmed by the constant questioning and analysis. They longed for the simplicity of the old days when they could believe what they wanted without having to justify it 😀.

    A small but vocal group of former politicians and scammers began to form, advocating for a return to normality. They argued that too much thinking was harmful, that it led to overanalysing and paralysis by analysis. They pushed for a “cure” to the pandemic, claiming that critical thinking was tearing apart the fabric of society by making people too sceptical and distrustful.

    But the majority of the world had embraced the change. Schools began to overhaul their curricula, focusing on teaching students how to think critically rather than just memorise facts. Universities saw a surge in enrolment in philosophy, science, and logic courses. Even entertainment shifted, with films and TV shows exploring more complex themes and moral dilemmas, appealing to audiences who craved intellectual stimulation.

    Week 3: The New World

    By the third week, it was clear that there was no going back. The world had fundamentally changed, and with it, so had humanity’s approach to life. The Critical Thinking Pandemic sparked a global enlightenment that no amount of negativity could darken.

    The benefits were undeniable. Scientific breakthroughs accelerated as researchers collaborated across disciplines, questioning old assumptions and finding innovative solutions to problems that had plagued humanity for centuries. Social justice movements gained momentum as people demanded not just change but thoughtful, sustainable change. Economic models were reevaluated, with a focus on long-term stability rather than short-term gains.

    But it wasn’t all easy. With critical thinking came the realisation that many of the world’s problems were more complex than anyone had imagined. Solutions required careful consideration, collaboration, and, most importantly, time. Quick fixes were no longer acceptable; people wanted real answers, even if they took longer to find.

    In Waterford, the small city where it all began, life had settled into a new rhythm. Neighbours who once gossiped about trivial matters now gathered for weekly discussions about philosophy, science, and politics 😀.  The local library became the most popular place in town, as people sought out books that would challenge their minds and expand their horizons.

    As the weeks turned into months, and the months into years, the world continued to adapt to this new way of thinking. Humanity had become more thoughtful, more reflective, and more connected by the shared pursuit of truth and understanding.

    The Critical Thinking Pandemic had changed everything. In the end, the world was better for it.

    P.S. That’s when the alarm went off, and I realised that I was only dreaming. 😀