Transitory Psychosis

It seems like every week that a new groundbreaking study is released. A new medicine hits the market, an answer to a long-standing problem is found, a new study sheds light on human relationships or sexuality, or something we’ve always thought to be true turns out to be wrong. Call me a cynic, but I’ve developed a little more critical eye toward all these studies of late. These days, when I hear new information, I’ve begun asking some questions like these:

Who is saying this?
How reliable is this person and what is his or her track record?
How did he or she learn it?
If there is a study, who did it and what methods did they use?
Who has something to gain from this information?

For example, when a drug company tells me they have the solution to what ails me, and they have a study to prove it, I remember that it is in their best interests (not necessarily mine) for me to purchase their product. The same can be said for lots of organizations and individuals.

That’s not to say I ignore everything said by someone who is tied to a cause or product. But, it is to say that I need to do a little homework before I start parroting what I’ve heard as the truth.

Is that cynicism? Not in my book. I call it discernment and we could all use a little more of it.

Posted Discernment |