Questioning Solutions

A: We need to do something about this gun issue? 

B: why? 

A: This heartless violence needs to stop! 

B: I understand, but what's your solution? 

A: Well, we need stricter laws. 

B: Sure, you think that will take care of the issue? 

A: It's a step ! 

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Many of us are driven to solve certain problems by immediately looking for a quick solution. Solutions are a means to an end and a distraction from understanding. Immediately gravitating to a one size fits all solution stems from an insecurity with deeper issues. The answer in clear sight is a deceptive one.

The need to be right stems from ego. When we devote ourselves to an agenda, we put our selves in a false dichotomy of us. Vs them and right vs wrong. What good does this serve us? What good is trying to reason with the unreasonable? 

We seek conclusions as if we are trying to seek some closure. The discomfort of what is stimulate us to gravitate towards change that is for the most part based on ideological thought. The conceptual mind wants us to figure things out that will immediately solve our problems. In issues involving government, politics or immediate life choices, we want to create solutions to give us a sense of hope and drive for our well being. In a practical sense, there are only choices that can be made that will have inherent costs and benefits. 

Solutions in the form of logical responses to scientific or mathematical problems are of course a necessity. Those are not the specific solutions I am talking about. The solutions we project as individuals or in large groups are ways of the brain trying to come to ultimate logical conclusions. Some of these supposed logical conclusions are informed from past experience and cognitive biases we have developed in our minds. When an immediate solution has come to mind, we tend to gravitate based on factors we think we cannot control. It allows us to put a theoretical period at the end of a sentence so the mind can move onto another compulsive thought or an illusory problem to "solve". 

How often do we actual question our solutions?

How many of our solutions are informed by collectivist ideologies and agendas? 

How many times do we face conflict with multiple solutions swimming in our heads? 

It is important to realize that many solutions are often derived from a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is a static sense of what should be done without considering alternatives or the fluidity of processed thinking. When someone declares that there is only one abstract way to so something, they are putting blinders on to other possible paths. The fixed mindset individual can only see what is within their self interest or the self interest of a group or party. When a person refuses to ask more questions and accept uncertainties of decision making, they are departing from the rational and critical mind. Solutions derived from ignorance hold no value. 

Where should we stand on making accurate and rational solutions? 

See a solution as an abstract that is something that is impermanent and may change due to the data and circumstances. A solution is a good concept to build a back bone in solving a problem. Asking constant questions are the key to getting to the root of all problems. When we see the illusory nature of a solution, we can truly see the broad scope of what needs to be done. True action is birthed from awareness and the ability to separate your authentic self from compulsive thought and cognitive bias. 

DG