Virtually 24/7 we are bombarded with…..data; it may be factual, it may be fictional, but it hits us nevertheless.
A close colleague describes “data” as “a valuable repo-material”, something that the individual may be able to use in the construction of something else. I like this analogy especially as he goes on to explain “information is more valuable than data itself”.
Now, he is a “thinker” in my terminology but then the thought strikes me that so very few actually are “thinkers”, so how is it possible for the vast majority to turn “data” into “information” – what is the process (for the non-thinker) whereby they can make such a transformation into something of value. I have not found a satisfactory answer. The “talking heads” can weave a very believable story but to me their words are not of value; they are neither fact, spin or lies, just an empty opinion…..and whilst I have no objection to anyone giving an opinion, it needs to be signalled as such and therefore accepted as such.
I am reminded of an excellent quote from Bertrand Russell:
“If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something, which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of myths is explained in this way”.
This I can agree with totally and it resonates with my views. Thus, I can only say that for the vast majority, it is not what is said but who says it – that is what will drive the non-thinking approach. However, be warned……
“The power of the tongue is not determined by its weight”
Until next time (and processing quite well),
Peripatetic Scribe
Fully agree, P.S. Opinions are valid ONLY if the individual "flags" them as such; however teaching especially young people HOW to evaluate what they hear is a tough task. Partly it is an art formed over a long period of listening not only to what is said and who said it, but more importantly is the tone of voice used.
ReplyDeleteYou raise a good point, Anonymous and thank you. Building on what you say, I feel there are 3 levels of "listening" - a shallow level (hearing the noise), a secondary level (understanding the words) and a third deep level (understanding the meaning and emotions behind the words). Most people never go beyond the second level - that's the pity!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely, P.S. Sadly, in Croatian politics and public life there is a plethora of examples revealing that if something is in "accordance to their instincts, people accept it even on the slightest evidence." Fortunately, I was educated also abroad and am aware of these things. On the other hand, it complicates life for me, as it is difficult to live in such environment without constantly (and not very successfully) attempting to change it. But, as you say, we have to keep on trying.
ReplyDeleteLucana
Lucana thank you. Being educated outside ones own country is valuable in that it gives a breadth of vision and thinking. But as you say, it makes life complex (I know). You have given me an idea (education) which I shall turn my small brain cell towards.......keep trying!
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