Why should I think rationally and scientifically?

Perception is biased: We should question our initial instincts, especially when it comes to perception. Perception is about how we interpret what we see or hear, often leading to cognitive biases. A cognitive bias is a systematic pattern of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment. Individuals create their own "subjective social reality" from their perception of the input. This can lead to a lack of clarity in our thinking. (King P. (2019)).

Perspective isn’t reality: Perspective is an individual's subjective point of view shaped by personal experiences and beliefs, compared: perception is the interpretation of sensory information that may not always accurately represent reality. Perspective is not reality, it’s just your perspective. To be able to think clearly, you must gain a three- dimensional view of a situation or decision. (King P. (2019)).

Feelings are not facts: One common mistake that we have all made at some point in our lives is taking our emotional reactions for facts, or mistaking our feelings for reality. This is the complete opposite of rational thought and is also referred to as emotional reasoning. You concur with the notion that "I feel this way, therefore it must be true" when applying emotional reasoning. Reality is neutral, and it is your emotions that cause you to perceive it in any particular way. (King P. (2019)). “Viewing a situation with emotional reasoning is like watching a completely benign scene with horror music being played over it.” (King P. (2019)).

Memories are wrong: Our memories are often unreliable and prone to distortion, frequently leading us to be mistaken about past events, as they have a tendency to rewrite themselves without our awareness (King P. (2019)).

Clear thinking, specifically through the acquisition of rational and scientific thinking skills, offers one of the most valuable investments in personal growth and development. By honing these skills, you can unlock a remarkable return on investment in terms of cognitive clarity, decision-making, and understanding the world around you. So, let's delve into the rewards awaiting those who embark on the journey of rational and scientific thinking. (Sharma, Shreyas (2020))

Gain accurate knowledge of the world: Scientific reasoning enables us to acquire a more precise and fact-based knowledge of the natural world. By challenging presumptions or views that might not be substantiated by actual evidence, it aids in the separation of fact from fiction. In our day-to-day routines, we naturally employ scientific thinking to make sense of the world around us. From peering out the window to decide what to wear, to experimenting with ingredients for a perfect cake, or investigating why our tomato plants aren't thriving, scientific thinking plays a crucial role. By utilizing scientific thinking, we gain a deeper understanding of our surroundings. (Brooke Larm, and Alan Jaros, Michigan State University Extension. (2017)).

Improve your analytical power: Rational thinking enhances analytical abilities, enabling individuals to comprehend and absorb information more effectively, making the learning process smoother and more efficient. Rational thinking fosters a structured and systematic approach to problem-solving, enabling individuals to break down complex issues into manageable components. This enhanced analytical ability allows for a deeper comprehension and more effective absorption of information. Rational thinking equips individuals with the skills to critically evaluate and synthesize information, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of various subjects and promoting intellectual growth. (Gurukul. (2019, 25. Oktober)).

Refine your individual opinion, insight and intellect: Rational thinking empowers individuals to form their own well-informed opinions, fostering confidence in expressing their views and earning respect and attention in society (Gurukul. (2019, 25. Oktober)). Furthermore, rational thinking promotes deeper analysis, leading to increased insight and a more comprehensive understanding of events, which cultivates logical and reasonable thinking patterns for future decision-making (Gurukul. (2019, 25. Oktober)).

Overcome your cognitive biases: Rational thinking helps individuals recognize and overcome cognitive biases, allowing for more accurate and logical decision-making. By overcoming cognitive biases through rational thinking, we can enhance our ability to make sound and rational decisions, free from the distortions caused by these biases. This empowers us to approach challenges with a clear and objective mindset, leading to more favorable outcomes and a deeper understanding of the world around us, enabling us to navigate complexity with greater accuracy and confidence. (Hitti, L. E. E. (2019, October 7)).

Improve your overall well-being: By easing stress and fostering mental clarity, rational thinking contributes to overall well-being. It enables people to control their emotions, make wiser decisions regarding their physical and mental health, and approach life's challenges from a more unbiased standpoint. Effective communication, the development of positive relationships, and improved social interactions are all made possible by rational thought. (Therapist, A. V. C. O. (2018)).