Changing the way I think, I think…

My objective is to make more of a commitment to fair-mindedness.

I don't think I would define myself as egocentric , however I think it is important that I realize that it does play a role in the way my mind works. I had to start at looking at how my identity was self-centrally shaped. For example at young age our parents instill into us particular beliefs about a wide variety of topics such as religion, politics, family, relationships, and schooling to name a few. We are a product of these influences and through understanding this I am able to be more than a product of those influences.

Before I continue I want to make it clear I am not bashing my parents, it is just an example of a type of influence, it could be teachers, television shows, or even newspapers. I.E I choose to read the Calgary Sun as a youngster because it was an easier less bulky paper to read than the Herald. The Calgary Sun, even more so years ago than today, are very politically conservative and I let a lot my thoughts and formations of opinion (which I believed to be correct) be influenced by the Sun's political views.

When I examined my attitudes I often found that unconsciously I often referred back to these influences to justify my beliefs (mostly belief that I am right). Some of these falsehoods are;

• It's true because I believe it - I tend to agree with people who believe the same things I do and not question them and conversely feel people are wrong because they don't have the same belief.
• It's true because we believe it - It's easy to believe something is true because a group of us believe the same thing and of course because we are a group we must have unique insight.
• It's true because I want to believe it - It is easy to believe, even to the point of absurdly that a point of view is correct because I badly want to believe it. Therefore I don't question it.
• It's true because I have always believed it - We automatically assume a long standing belief to be right. Man I have never been so wrong.
• It's true because it's in my selfish interest to believe it - If it serves to make me happy, wealthier, it is a lit easier to believe it to be true and not question it.

Basically I am trying to consciously recognize these tendencies and deliberately try to overcome them and think fair-mindedly.

The only caveat is if I am having a few beers I am still go to believe the Flames are the best hockey team, the Stamps the best football team, and my hole in one was all skill. I will argue that I am right until I am blue in the face even it does go against everything I just said. :-)