“A wise man makes his own decisions. An ignorant man follows public opinion.”—Chinese Proverb
Inspiration often comes from signs that keep repeating themselves. Such is the case today. Truthfully, it is a topic that has been presenting itself well-beyond today and the last eighteen month. The above quote (which has also been attributed to the American journalist, Grantland Rice [1880-1954]) confirmed that this would be today’s subject.
The first thing I saw today was a post from a friend noting a statement by NPR that the US and China are responsible for 38% of the world’s carbon emissions. What was advertently of inadvertently omitted was that China’s responsibility is 27% and the US’s is 11%. With a bit more digging, I found that both countries have reduced carbon emissions from 2014 levels when they contributed 30- and 14%, respectively. I also learned that the US has returned to 1990 levels.
Over the last couple days, I have been seeing the powers-to-be called to question regarding the lack of discussion about natural immunity with regard to COVID-19. I would add that, not only are they willing to discuss immune v. not immune or natural v. artificial immunity, but they are also not willing to discuss risk stratification. Again, the information we receive is distorted by the narrative the source is trying to present.
I can continue with examples, but the point to be made is that we need to be informed, and to be “informed” means that we need to seek out information—even if it challenges our opinion and worldview. Again, often the “facts” we receive are limited to fit the narrative that the source want to support. Sometimes “misinformation” isn’t blatantly false. More often than that it simply omits contrary information, presents distorted information, or shared limited information.
In the last eighteen months, I have sought to inform myself of the literature regarding exercise and COVID-19. (This is just a current example—my intent is not to only shine a light on COVID-19 [mis]information). If I read of a study in a popular press article or hear one referenced in a podcast or YouTube video, I go to the source. (Admittedly, this is a bit easier for me with access to a University library, but with more and more ‘open-access’, it is quite a bit easier to find journal articles via Google search.) It is unfortunate that the urgency of COVID-19 has allowed journals to (pre)publish studies before they are peer-reviewed. Nevertheless, these can be evaluated with a critical eye.
I commented this morning, “If you believe you are informed because you read/listen to a ‘reputable’ news source but don’t confirm the information you receive, check yourself. How much less informed are you getting when you trust the information from social media and popular press? Even ‘scientific’ sources have been sharing studies *before* they are peer-reviewed. Challenge everything! Don’t just accept “data” because they fit your narrative. Science is not intended to confirm our views. Science is intended to shape–to expand–our understanding of the universe.”
Science is intended to shape–to expand–our understanding of the universe. I teach exercise science, and I can attest to the fact that what I teach today is very much different than what I taught 20 years ago. I disagree with quite a bit of what I was taught in the ‘80s and ‘90s and with conclusions drawn by prominent scientists in their time. I am by no means smarter than these, I simply have the benefit of more information—and better means of testing hypotheses. Science expands.
I don’t believe religion and science need to be divisive. Sadly, many study one without the benefit of the other. Personally, allowing myself to be open to both has given me a deeper understanding of both—an ability to see a greater GOD in both.
Years ago, I was challenged by a student based on what he had learned in another class. I welcomed the challenge. For many of the students, however, it was disconcerting. One student suggested that I just tell them what I wanted them to know for the test. This response was precisely the attitude that I did not want my students to take. It was a great opportunity to train them to question what they are being taught and to search out the truth. My confidence in the particular subject was shaken, but it forced me to (re)examine what I was teaching. I searched and (in this case) what I was teaching was affirmed. I share this story often with my students because my goal is to educate and not to indoctrinate. My goal is to grow my field of “expertise,” and the only way to grow knowledge is to put our presumptions and preexisting knowledge to the test. Truth will always win out, and science serves to reveal truth. We cannot say that we “follow the science” if we don’t question our current beliefs. We don’t “follow the science” if we don’t allow ourselves to explore the boundaries of our comfort. We don’t “follow the science” if we don’t question popular opinion.
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”—Proverbs 11:2, NIV
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!