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Reading and belief, critical observation
Have you noticed that it is very easy to believe what you read, easier than when you listen? Marshall McLuhan in his books talked a lot about the linear nature of print, about how man’s brain was becoming conditioned to accept the linear stream of information from reading. I’ve found myself that belief, faith, is easier to come by when you read… it’s like I become convinced.
To stay critical, observant, testing the knowledge that is presented, while reading a book, requires considerable alertness. I find that when I deploy skepticism I very quickly become inwardly derogatory and cynical, which is a state of mind I prefer to avoid because it feeds negativity. I have been experimenting with critical observation instead, but I find it quite tiring.
Do you ever find yourself slipping into “default belief” while reading?
Jeroen
