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Originally Posted by Michael Chui  What I wonder is this: does a complete lack of criticism have its place, too? A blank mind, unthinking, obedient, ...open-minded... I think so. But, like criticism, it's not an end-all. Thoughts? |
I imagine a complete lack of criticism both does have a place and is possible (or at least a strong degree of lack as I'm not positive that people are capable of a "complete" anything) although it would likely be time-limited which is no doubt a positive thing.
When? After a belief or practice has been given a preliminary examination, found to have potential and in the beginnings of its practice or acceptance. In many ways it seems that complete openness to a belief or practice is essential to ever really understanding it the same as at some point critical examination of the same belief or practice would become essential to deepen one's understanding.
I imagine this ability to examine without question is either a core component of one's psychological make-up or it must be cultivated rather like skepticism on the other side of the spectrum.
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Originally Posted by Mark Lapierre Hmmm... Would complete lack of criticism be possible? For example what happens if you encounter contradictory beliefs. You can't adopt both of them. As a trivial example, the belief that all vegetable oils are healthy versus the belief that only some are. The latter belief would prevent you from fully adopting the former. |
I do think a complete (again, or nearly complete) lack of criticism is possible but not for any extended period of time. I don't know though - what about people who hold very strong religious views over long periods of time and even when exposed to contradictory beliefs refuse to budge even to the point of refusing to attempt to understand the views of others? Is this a complete lack of criticism? Not in the way I was thinking of the subject but perhaps.