I agree greatly with Shamou.
Though for me, clarity isn't so much the ultimate truth, but the ultimate understanding.
I spend much less time reading articles and information, trying to learn new facts, and old history than i do comtemplating how i can further understand the things that i do not. I figure, if i don't already understand everything i know (which i do realize i never will), then it's much more important that i try to before i throw more junk into my brain. I'm a very philosophical person myself. Why? Why? Why? Something i often ask myself subconciously- though through habit i naturally try to answer the question before i even ask myself it anymore.
I observe everything i can. I do exactly as you suggest, try to understand everyones point of view- often before i create my own decision or opinion if i don't already have one. Widening your understanding of people, the world, and life in general to me is the greatest thing you could ever do with yourself in my opinion. Through the years (though i'm very young, it's just my personality and i've been a questioner) i've analyzed and concluded (though broadly on many subjects that are perhaps impossible to conclude on) enough that i can often do the same for new issues more quickly because of experience. Thus making me a great problem solver in what situations i'm experienced with- mainly social based, and even some i'm not. I'd suggest you find as much clarity or "understanding" in whatever you find the most beneficial to yourself. Try to answer a question that you may already know is unanswerable. Try to answer questions even if you don't want to know the answer, but just so that you have the answer.
It's proven someone who questions life and the world lives longer than one who doesn't, i'd like to add. Just don't get too negative even if you uncover some dirty secrets, or realize some depressing facts.
Even with the "clarity" i've developed from all my observations and such, i'm quite a hippocrite. I have a lot of trouble putting my own education into play. However, as a result of my questioning and analyzation of various things i can be a great advisor on many a subject. Which i do very much enjoy. If i can't help myself with what i've learned, by golly, surely i can help someone else- and isn't that what we really need to be doing anyway? Helping eachother and making life better as a whole, not as a soul? <--yeah i just came up with that. haha
Congrats on being alcohol-free...i broke free from addction(s) a year and a half ago. It does indeed open your life up a great deal, and it is by no means an easy feat. *pat on the back  |