8/14/2019 Sec 4 Wk 1 Reflection

1/3

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 vomiting2. 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

8/14/2019 Sec 4 Wk 1 Reflection

2/3

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? Isnt 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 mans 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 saidthat 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 cant face the truth. Were too weak to accept the fact that

not all of lifes questions have answers. We want stability, security, and answers.

And we would rather find what we hope for or already believe than the truth.

Were 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. Its

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 humanitys

gullibility and fascination with the bizarre. Thats 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

8/14/2019 Sec 4 Wk 1 Reflection

3/3

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

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

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

deception.

Lets 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