Rational Thinking is Only for Some People

One of the things I struggle the most with my family is our belief system. We're on opposite sides of the spectrum.

My sister often tries to ask me pointed questions to get me thinking and hopefully "bring me back" to the fold. It can be quite frustrating, especially when I realize there is no reason, no rational thinking, behind what she says.

You can talk till you get blue in the face and still they'd (those who are orthodox) stand firm in their beliefs.

It frustrates me to no end, this blind faith and belief. However, I have long ago learned to just let it go. You cannot argue with irrational people. Introspect, logic, and the ability to learn is what I value most. They, apparently, do not. Rationality is a matter of choice. They choose to firmly stand by irrational thoughts, illogical behaviors and live in such a manner. I keep reminding myself this is their choice. This may be okay for them, doesn't mean it is okay for me.

"The only sovereign you can allow to rule you is reason.

The first law of reason is this: what exists, exists; what is, is; and from this irreducible bedrock principle, all knowledge is built. It is the foundation from which life is embraced.

Thinking is a choice. Wishes and whims are not facts nor are they means to discover them. Reason is our only way of grasping reality; it is our basic tool of survival. We are free to evade the effort of thinking, to reject reason, but we are not free to avoid the penalty of the abyss that we refuse to see. Faith and feelings are darkness to reason's light. In rejecting reason, refusing to think, one embraces death."
(Wizard's Sixth Rule, Terry Goodkind)

I love that quote. Sums things up for me real well. But you can't ever hope to convey any of that to someone who is frum. I've tried to no avail.

I found this humorous video online. Do I dare email this to my sister?