This is not so important, but it makes an astronomy nut like me happy to see that they finally decided to strip Pluto of its status as a full planet and categorize it as a dwarf planet instead. Categorizing it as a regular planet was somewhat of a mistake in the first place, and it is good to see the rational win out over the sentimental.
Which brings me to this inquiry…
They should act in a rational manner.
- Is it true?
Yes (especially scientists!)
- Can I absolutely know it is true? What is the reality of it?
No, I cannot absolutely know it is true. The reality is that even scientists sometimes don’t act in a rational manner (they get caught up in sentimentality, attachments and so on.)
- How do I react when I have that belief?
I get frustrated seeing people who should be champions of rational thought behaving in a less than rational manner, using sentimentality as an argument for wishful categorizing.
How do I treat them?
As a little soft brained, not standing up for what they know is right.
How do I treat myself?
As someone who is more rational, more cool-headed, more able to let go of sentimental attachments when that is called for.
When did I first have the thought?
Probably in middle-school, when I got more interested in science, rational thinking, valid arguments and so on.
Does the thought bring me peace or stress?
Stress, definitely.
What is the worst that can happen if I let go of that belief?
I would let the sentimental override the rational, like (some of) them.
Turnaround: I would not let the sentimental override the rational. Yes, that seems as or more likely. Without the stress coming from this belief, I would be more receptive, open, clear.
- Who/what would I be without the thought?
I would be receptive, open, clear. Able to enjoy the small-scale drama around the discussion. Able to see the validity and good points in the different arguments, coming from any view.
- Turnarounds
(a) They shouldn’t act in a rational manner.
That is true. Some of them don’t, and that is the reality of it according to my story. The benefit for me is that I get to see my own beliefs around this, the stress it brings me, and it gives me an opportunity to inquire into it.
(b) I should act in a rational manner.
Yes, certainly. The advice is for myself here. When I believe that they should act in a different way from what they do, I am irrational. There is no way I can influence it in any real way, not even with people close to me. These are just processes playing themselves out.
(c) I should not act in a rational manner.
Well, not if I don’t. When I believe that thought, I do not act in a rational manner, and that is what is playing itself out right then. It is OK. And it, as anything, is subject to change.
(x) Turnaround to live in daily life
I should act in a rational manner. I shouldn’t expect people to change because it would be convenient to me. I can take my own advice instead. The advice is for me.