Reflection by definition means ‘A thought or an opinion resulting from consideration.’ By this very definition one is able to deduct that it is not possible to reflect upon an answer if one is not willing to consider the original question, as well as the counter argument from which they have chosen oppositely. To limit the ability of consideration is to effectively limit the ability of human thought.
Now to understand why the attribute of reflection is necessary if we are ever to progress as an individual, let alone society, we must, once again, look at the faulting attributes of human nature. We are bound by a sense of doubt as humans, which leads to our questioning. This is indeed what sets us apart from all other animals. But we are also bound by the instinctual want for comfort and a sense of safety. This is perhaps one of our greatest downfalls, due to its retarding ability to the progression of our species. Often times we will settle on a specific point of view and live with a sense of security, which may be false, due to the sentimental values proposed by the given perspective.
If we were to overcome this dilemma of the want for safety and comfort, with the process of reason through questioning, our false perceptions of truth would be cast out and the age of true progression would come forth. Now I am surely not saying this with the close minded idea that all opinions are wrong. In fact, I believe that our perception of truth is based of the consensus of opinion, but that is to be discussed later on. The argument I am trying to convey is simply, if we limit ourselves to specific opinions without the consideration of other opinions, solely because of our want for safety or comfort, then we effectively eliminate all sense of reason and logic within our thought process.
Analysis is defined to mean ‘The study of constituent parts and their interrelationships in making up a whole.’ To put it more simply, analysis is the process by which one studies the relationships between elements of a whole. It is generally accepted that in order to be taken seriously in any scientific community, or even more generally, in society, one must have analyzed the data before coming to a conclusion. This same process of analysis should also be applied when working with questions and perspectives. It has become far too easy in today’s society to become close minded and reject all opinions contrasting to your own. And we have, for some odd reason, allowed this irrational and, quite frankly, unjust process to take place.
To possess the ability to apply analysis to your questions and opinions is to possess the ability to discern truth from fiction, and ultimately right from wrong. If we were to apply the same standards to all aspects of life, then that would be just one more achievement for humans in the quest for equality among all within the species. Perhaps the superb moral teacher, Buddha, described it best when he said:
“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
Imagine the possibilities if we, as a species, were able to not only abide by this quote, but live by it. Now that we have discovered the meanings behind the words, reflection and analysis, hopefully we can apply them to our fundamental questions of life later on…
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