Keeping errors at bay

-          Bertrand Russell, England (1872-1970)

I. Literal Comprehension

            Context: This essay is written by Bertrand Russell, England (1872-1970), who is regarded as one of twentieth century’s most erudite men. In this essay, Russell has clearly indicated the causes of wrong ideas or opinions.

            Human beings tend to have various wrong opinions which can be avoided if some precautions are taken. Firstly, observation must be made. Thinking that we know when in fact we don’t is a fatal mistake. Secondly, we must compare our opinion or idea with others’. If an opinion different from ours makes us angry, we must understand that our opinion has no ground. We must make ourselves aware of our own bias. Thirdly, we must become aware of opinions held in social circles different from our own. We must travel to different places, talk to different people and read opposite party’s magazines and newspapers. But we must avoid copying others’ foolish customs. Fourthly, we must imagine ourselves talking to an opponent before making an opinion about anything. This helps us to be less dogmatic and cocksure. Fifthly, we must avoid self-esteem that makes us biased. Human life is a brief episode in the life of a small planet in a little corner of the universe. Other parts of the cosmos may contain beings as superior to ourselves as we are to jelly-fish. Therefore, we must avoid human conceit. Finally, we must avoid fear of any kind that’s in our mind because fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. Wisdom and the pursuit of truth begin when fear is ended.

II. Interpretation

            The writer might be trying to tell us that opinions often go in a wrong way because of lack of precautions while making them. So, we must always be aware of our biased views.

III. Critical Thinking

            I appreciate the writer’s idea for being practical in life. Applying all his suggestions to our life, we can be critical thinkers.  But is it always possible for us to compare and contrast the opinions or ideas in everyday life? How would a fanatic religionist take his suggestions?

IV. Assimilation

            After reading the essay, I realized how much mistake I was committing while forming ideas or opinions before. Therefore, I have started to change myself into a critical thinker by applying the opinion of the writer in my everyday thinking process.