Human Character II

Is there an element of our personality that compels us to make incorrect choices, or do we shape our own decision making destiny?

Let's say, hypothetically, that we concretely know there is such a thing as Actual Truth. Suppose also that this Actual Truth is not made up of any emotionalism, delusion or hype.

With this concept in mind, the goal of the "shaping" would be a final product based on the aforementioned Actual Truth. So, any choice made on the fly, without learning, or self-introspection would be purely reckless in the case of the hypothesis.

True or False

Falsehood can only be sold as true according to the level of understanding of the receiver of the information. Seduction, enticement, lure and influence all depend on some level of blindness. If we never bother to work on our inclination, the input is based on the moment instead of a solid foundation of truth.

Translating the Negative Urge as an outside force is typical in our society. "The devil made me do it," seems so much easier than the refinement of character. Usually we end up digging ourselves a bigger hole.

In my opinion, we don't make decisions on the fly. Our intellect calculates through connection or combination. Man has a thought which is relinquished to the intellect. Depending on the work one has done on his character, ie morals and ideals, justification and sentiments, the thought is interpreted by the intellect either correctly, incorrectly or somewhere in between. The presently formed intellect determines meaning, that is why it is imperative to understand the truth.

The process

Gong back to the hypothesis of Actual Truth as the destination, clarity is the actual proximity to to that destination. So hypothetically we can be either near, far, or very close to Actual Truth. The spectrum is large. The component parts for every situation are vast and depend on incredible discipline refined by learning and correct choice.

Perhaps, if a man forms a truly good idea, it may inspire him to pursue good. But, if he starts watering down a point of understanding, it weakens progressively and he may end up back where he started. If, instead of making excuses, he debilitates empty ego and progresses, the points become clearer and clearer.

There is a Medrash, (Rava) which is a discussion/learning about this situation. When one starts justifying even the most minimal error of choice he becomes bound by a gossamer thread, like a web. As he proceeds to justify more and more, bit by bit, the thread compounds until it is thick like a rope that controls an ox. It is a cumulative, but not inescapable situation. The return is slow and requires great diligence, like weakening the ox tether, string by string, thread by thread.

The end product

Clarity is the point with which a person has the foresight to see the end at the beginning of the process. The intellect compiles pictures from past experiences supposing that all events have the same pattern, path and destiny. Even though man is clearly not a machine, the thought process when not corrected, recycles past failures and mistakes and deflates motivation, and the person gives up on himself. What a waste.