USE Your Reason

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” – Buddha

For much of your life, you were told what to think. You trusted the authority of your parents, teachers, and books, accepting their words as truth. They spoke from places of love and authority, so naturally, you trusted them without question.

But at some point, something didn’t quite sit right with you. You wrestled internally, questioning the information presented to you. Over time, you began to see the cracks: the biased nature of news stories, the limitations of your teachers’ perspectives, and even the imperfections in the wisdom your parents imparted. These realizations didn’t spark resentment; rather, they lit a fire within you—a call to action.

It is unwise to accept everything you’re told at face value, even from the people you trust the most. Truth isn’t handed to you easily; it requires effort and examination. You must develop the skills of critical thinking, observation, and discernment in order to draw your own conclusions.

History has shown that convention isn’t always right. Blind trust in authority often perpetuates errors and half-truths. Skepticism, paired with curiosity and humility, is the key to navigating life with clarity.

Take everything you hear as a starting point, not the final answer. Examine it. Question it. Test its validity. In doing so, you not only honor the efforts of those who’ve guided you but also step into your own power as a thinker and learner.