Jiang Education Centre Ace your “O” LeVeLs Reinforcement Course Sem 1/Wk 1

Its reflection time 

THE PRIZE WINNING PROJECT

A student at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the Greater Idaho Falls
Science Fair. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to
alarmists practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our
environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict
control or total elimination of the chemical "dihydrogen monoxide."

And for plenty of good reasons, since:

1. it can cause excessive sweating and vomiting

2. it is a major component in acid rain
3. it can cause severe burns in its gaseous state
4. accidental inhalation can kill you
5. it contributes to erosion
6. it decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes
7. it has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients

He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical.

* Forty-three (43) said yes,
* Six (6) were undecided,
* Only one (1) knew that the chemical was water.

The title of his prize winning project was, "How Gullible Are We?"

He felt the conclusion was obvious!

REFLECTION

(adapted from a personal development programme by Chuck Gallozzi)

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. The Alchemist 1
Jiang Education Centre Ace your “O” LeVeLs Reinforcement Course Sem 1/Wk 1

If the ancient period was known as the age of reasoning and enlightenment, what
would we call the present age? Isn’t it the age of gullibility? Why are we so quick
to swallow half-truths, false premises, and outlandish claims? Why are we so
credulous, so easily deceived? How did we arrive at the point where we accept
ideas with little evidence, with no evidence, or contrary to the evidence?

Why are we so gullible?

1. One reason is modern man’s loss of religious faith. That loss creates a vacuum
ready to suck in some new form of belief. The eminent British broadcaster
Malcolm Muggeridge had said, "One of the peculiar sins of the twentieth century
which we've developed to a very high level is the sin of credulity. It has been said
that when human beings stop believing in God they believe in nothing. The truth
is much worse: they believe in anything."

2.Another reason is we can’t face the truth. We’re too weak to accept the fact that
not all of life’s questions have answers. We want stability, security, and answers.
And we would rather find what we hope for or already believe than the truth.
We’re willing to sacrifice the truth whenever it makes us feel uncomfortable.

How can we remove gullibility?

The first step in removing gullibility is to recognize its presence in our lives. It’s
easy for us to get sucked into false beliefs because we live in the new age.
Although we speak of the new age, there is nothing new with humanity’s
gullibility and fascination with the bizarre. That’s why Plato had said, "Whatever
deceives men seems to produce a magical enchantment."

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. The Alchemist 2
Jiang Education Centre Ace your “O” LeVeLs Reinforcement Course Sem 1/Wk 1

When we’re gullible, we stunt our intellectual growth. Instead of climbing

mountains of wisdom, we trip over mounds of half-truths, falsehoods, and
deception.

Let’s experience the beauty and joy of truth by accepting things as they are rather
than as we wish them to be. That way we would be conscious not to fall prey to
gullibility.

Knock! Knock!
"Who's there?"
"The Truth"
"Go away, I'm busy looking for the Truth."

THINK!

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. The Alchemist 3