How do we get our mind to kick in again? I believe this is a most unusual question to ask oneself. However, it is a profoundly important question. Too many of us stop learning, thinking, and understanding at too early an age. Moreover, any deep critical thinking is imperiled by the 24/7 news cycle and the ever-present social media.
A Back Story Of Sorts
I was a good student in grade school and high school, a poor student in college, and an excellent student in graduate school. My graduate program was only an MBA program. I accomplished it in 15 months without too much critical thinking.
All in all, I have almost 19 years of education. During those 19 years, I read and studied only to pass tests, but not much for a true understanding of the subject matter. Interestingly enough, I should mention that in the course of those 19 years, I can count on one hand how many truly excellent teachers I had,
My mind did not really kick in again until I turned 72, now more than five years ago. I really do not understand why. I read with a different set of eyes and with a much deeper understanding. My comprehension increased, and so did my memory of facts, ideas presented, and important quotes.
I believe it started when I began to read different works of philosophy and books written by Stanley L. Jaki. Father Jaki was a Hungarian-born priest and a member of the Benedictine Order. He is now deceased. During his lifetime, he was a prolific author of some 50 or more books. He wrote more than two dozen books on the relationship between science and religion. His magnum opus is “The Relevance of Physics.” But the one book that really opened my eyes the most was “Purpose of It All.”
Kickstart Your Mind again
I believe the kickstarting process begins with the realization that we can do so. And, we can do so immediately. However, we must be disciplined and diligent. I encourage you to start with the daily practice of reading something that will challenge your mind, then by making notes in the margins of the book, and, finally, by reflecting as you read. Such a daily practice eventually leads to deep thinking, deeper understanding, and, in the end, a wider sense of wisdom. As the British say, give it a go!
Links
Internal: https://whitebeardwisdom.com/the-books-that-have-changed-my-life-and-my-thinking/
