If I could describe intellectual perseverance I would suggest that it is that ding that goes off in your head when you finally get something. When you've been staring at a brain teaser for hours and you finally see the solution, or when after you having listened to a lecture on existentialism over and over again you finally begin to feel like you know what they're talking about. If you dissect the definition of intellectual perseverance, as defined on the website criticalthinking.org, you will see that is has three distinct sections. The first having to do with the tools you use in your persevering, the second is sticking to it through opposition, and the third, despite confusion and unanswered questions, continuing anyways just to understand more.
We can go into this deeper. Criticalthinking.org defines intellectual perseverance as "having a consciousness of the need to use intellectual insights and truths in spite of difficulties, obstacles, and frustrations; firm adherence to rational principles despite the irrational opposition of others; a sense of the need to struggle with confusion and unsettled questions over an extended period of time to achieve deeper understanding or insight." (Valuable Intellectual Traits, 1996) The first part of this definition suggests that we need to understand the utmost importance of using intellectual insight and truth no matter what stands in our way. This in many ways is the start of our journey. Like so many things in life it all begins with admitting or recognizing the need. If I need to lose 100 lbs I have recognized the truth of the situation and the need to do so. I would then look at the many obstacles in my way. Whether these are poor health, depression, unhealthy diet or not losing weight fast enough. In the beginning I would search out these possible obstacles and attempt to recognize them before they surface. This way I can best prepare myself for what lies ahead. Many deep thinkers, philosophers and freedom fighters, I imagine, were able to at least have a small understanding of the trials that would lie ahead if they continued on their course.
The second part of the definition describes the need to stick to your principles no matter the opposition. Once you have started the journey to losing weight other may say you don't need to lose the weight or you can eat what you like as long as you exercise. These may be things that are nice to hear, but deep down you know are wrong. It is in these times of hardship that one must hold strong and stay the course. If in the beginning you have decided to use your intellectual insight and were able to identify the obstacles ahead then adhering to rational principles is that much more feasible when the opposition rears it's ugly head.
The third part of this definition is where I feel the persevering truly comes in to play. When all the questions are not answered; when all the weight is not lost and you are exhausted both physically and mentally. When you'd rather give up, lie down and let the other side win. It's in that moment when you have that double Big Mac in hand and just about to put it in your mouth and be done with this quest to lose weight that you throw it to the floor and walk out not caring that you just wasted six dollars and you are still hungry. You are not going to give up and no one can change your mind. Some of the great minds in history overcame great obstacles in their quest for a better understanding of the questions they were asking. From Albert Einstein to the Wright brothers to Ray Charles these were all great minds that persevered through difficult situations, impossible dreams or physical handicaps to do what others could not. It is this patience and ability to see far beyond the walls that surround us and to realize what is truly possible. What our lives could be and what answers are out there just waiting for the right question to be asked and the right person to ask it.
Valuable Intellectual Virtues (June 1996). Foundation For Critical Thinking, retrieved August 16, 2013 from, http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/valuable-intellectual-traits/528
No comments:
Post a Comment