Rational thinking leads to the conclusion
that is most likely to be correct, given the knowledge one has. It is the positive use of the mind. Rationality and irrationality can cohabit the same mind.
Some clear-headed people, for example, jump at the sight of a mouse or
are bigots. Irrationality can either
be a lack of reason or mistake made by using reason. Of the latter, a lack of reason can be a
lack of evidence that confirm a thesis.
For example, some companies hire people based on their astrological
compatibility and by handwriting samples, despite the lack of evidence that
supports these relationships. (I told an astrology buff perhaps inaccurately
that “I fail to see the relationship between me and a big ball of flaming gas!
“ But in my case, perhaps there may be a
speck of truth somewhere in the ancient Babylonian arts. I was born under the sign of two fishes
swimming in different directions—which maybe accounts for why I’m conflicted on
just about everything.)
Rationality is merely a tool, but what
a powerful tool it is for clear thinking and communication. Anything that can be done to strengthen your
thinking skills are among your most important lifetime suitcase skills. Teach yourself to cross-examine life, to look
below the surface of things to find the inner truth. Develop different ways of rigorous
thinking—logical, mathematical, dialectical, empirical, metaphorical, moral,
philosophical, and spiritual. If there is one gift I would give to you, it
would be to learn how to think—clearly, accurately, and deeply.