Opinions are as plentiful as heads are and by no means do they constitute the truth just merely by being expressed. Can the objective truth even be found or grasped? We don’t know, but in the hopes of going one step closer to it we can learn how to think to be able to discern the systems and patterns underlying the subjective experiences of the real. One theory is true until a better model replaces it. And this really is a model – a representation of something outside ourselves governing our reality.

So how to detect baloney in real life and make sure you are firmly grounded in truth, or as close as you can get to it, in your explorations. Do as the scientist does and employ skepticism 101 – because the clearer you see the better decisions you’ll make and understand the world you’ve been thrown in. This applies to real life everyday interactions as much as it does on scientific approaches to any subject.

When you receive new information on something your first QUESTION IS THE VALIDITY OF THE SOURCE. Can you trust the source? it’s not the same if you heard something about your friend from a person you trust or an office chatterbox. Take a look at the EVIDENCE and judge for yourself by what you see. LISTEN WITH AN OPENED MIND without predetermined judgements on what you think of it before you know what can be known of the topic. Is the evidence strong and confirmed from multiple sources or a weak inkling. Were you told you were acting horrible by one person screaming it in an argument or have you been hearing that a lot lately? Does the new idea or a model presented EXPLAIN AS MUCH OR MORE than the old one did and are you moving up or regressing? Has anyone tryed to disprove this claim and WHAT DO THOSE WHO (INTELLIGENTLY) DISAGREE THINK? Hear the other side to. It has to be more than just my opinion vs. yours if there will be any real solution. Everybody thinks they are right. Ask yourself if you are masking some personal agendas, traumas or frustrations as objective evidence.

Learn to see, learn to listen, learn to think for yourself and learn to be HUMBLE ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE A BETTER SOLUTION when it is presented. The chances you’re completely right (if there happens to be such a distinction on right and wrong in the matter) all the time are zero.