REFER TO GREY: Contemplations by Robert Greigos © 2007-2024

The US is divided. That is a fact. And it isn’t a question of opinion or belief as reported within some poll or survey. It’s a question of behavior. All one has to do is look. People either step out smartly, or they hesitate. An irrelevant distinction? I don’t think so. Most human behavior is volitional. It is predicated on a preconceived theory of what is possible, what the costs are, and what the rewards will be. Most Americans proudly call the ability to have and maintain such preconceptions freedom. And, they are not wrong.

So, what is happening within the thoughts of people who hesitate? Has behavioral freedom for those individuals been squelched, frustrated, or inhibited? More likely they have come to realize their preconceived theories of what is possible, what the costs are, what the rewards will be have a few holes in them. They are, quite literally, unsure as to what they should do. They are stuck. Whereas, those who step out smartly have in some way managed to fill in or abridge all their preconceived theories to the extent that any and all inhibiting doubt is vanquished and freedom to act is restored.

What then is the nature of that “stuff” that successfully fills in or abridges faulty or inadequate preconceived theories and restores freedom? Is it just any old bullshit that works? Or, must it come wrapped in a specific kind of package, like from a specific advisor or mentor? Must it be directly experienced or can it be received via second-hand sources such as through reading or hearsay? And either way, what degree of rigor must be attendant or included? And how is rigor defined and determined, anyway? Is rigor even relevant? Rigor may be an issue for those who hesitate, but an irrelevancy for those who don’t. Why is that?

No doubt, there exists something that might be called quality to the “stuff” we use to build, abridge, and patch our preconceived notions of what is possible, what the costs will be, and what the rewards could be. Some of us readily accept what others advocate for as quality. I suggest that while it may be prudent to consider what others believe to be quality “stuff”, it should be essential that each and every individual carefully consider what really is quality in the “stuff” one uses to build, abridge, and patch the preconceptions that underly, define, and expand the joys and freedoms we hope to experience each day of our lives.

Think carefully and strive for quality. It provides the most joy and the greatest freedom.