Useful Not True

Highlights

Every statement everyone says could be prefaced with a disclaimer: “From my limited point of view, based only on what I’ve experienced…” But they don’t need to say that.

Rules can be ignored. Breaking a rule can be rational and moral, if you understand the rule’s purpose, and no one is harmed.

The world is as negotiable as a flea market in Marrakesh. Only a fool doesn’t haggle.

Which belief is right? Wrong question. Which belief leads to the action you need now?

There was no word for “religion” in most Asian, American, African, and Australian languages. The idea was introduced by Europeans. Before that, their word for spiritual practices was “law”, “duty”, “righteousness”, or “the way”. Even the Latin root of “religion” (religio) means “obligation”. Following a religion means doing, not just believing.

Some people want one perfect solution that solves every problem. They need everything to fit — consistent and congruent. The rest of us use whatever tool helps us do what we need to do. When someone refuses to use a tool because it’s not perfect, they’re probably not actually doing the work.

Which story helps you do what you need to do, be who you want to be, or feel at peace?

This applies to anything. Meanings are entirely in your mind. But their effect on you is real. Like a placebo. It actually works. So the reverse applies as well. If a meaning is holding you back, you can actively doubt it, question it, and find evidence against it, to stop believing it. Then it loses its power.

Maybe you’re making a big decision. You want to feel well-informed and certain. But that’s an emotional state unrelated to the facts. You’ll ignore a mountain of evidence if you hear one good story against it or just feel yourself leaning the other way. Most emotions can’t be persuaded. You need to feel good about your choices. Emotion decides. Facts rationalize. You’ll find whatever truth is useful.

There’s a crucial moment in between when something happens and when you actually respond. It’s an important life skill. It’s as simple as this: Something happens. Get past your first emotional reaction. Consider other ways of looking at it. Pick one that feels empowering or useful. It shapes how you feel and what you’ll do. Simple, but not easy. The hardest part was getting past your first reaction.

How do you know what’s the best choice? Trick question! No choice is the best in itself. A choice becomes the best when you choose it. That’s when you make your decision congruent. You find plenty of proof to support it. Evidence against it is useless. You align yourself with your choice.

Best of all, you take action. By letting go of other options, you concentrate your energy and time. You make it part of your identity, and act accordingly. You become effective. You do the work that makes it a great choice.