What in the world is going on? If we listen and observe, sometimes the truth is right there in front of us. The simplest explanation for an occurrence is usually correct.
As I write this, there has been yet another train derailment, and three more UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena-it’s the new name for UFOs) are shot down by the military. No one seems to know exactly what those objects are. 25-44-year-olds have incurred a 30% uptick in heart attacks in the past two years. Our adversary is overtly spying on us, but we are supposed to think of them as “competitors.” Chickens, foxes, and fish are dying in a midwest town after a disastrous chemical explosion, yet residents are told the town’s air and water are safe.
Occam’s Razor
Have you ever heard of Occam’s Razor? It’s a principle that says the simplest explanation for an occurrence is usually correct.
For example, if you find yourself confused by an explanation of any event from two different sides, it’s more likely that the simplest explanation is correct. Occam’s Razor is not an absolute truth. It’s just a basic discovery tool in problem-solving.
When you have to make too many assumptions, things become complex. It’s time to apply Occam’s Razor.
Where am I going with this? Some people have said they are confused by the times in which we live. So, as common sense citizens, we don’t remain baffled. We attempt to discover for ourselves what is going on. We search for the facts while exercising common sense.
Another Hypothesis
If Occam’s Razor doesn’t work, here’s another hypothesis that has stood the test of time. “If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s a duck.” The most obvious explanation is probably correct for any occurrence. Regardless of what you hear, if your common sense tells you this is “x,” don’t automatically accept that this is “y.” Why? Because if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it’s probably a duck. If we listen and observe, sometimes the truth is right there in front of us.
I’m not suggesting we simplify the most in-depth issues or ignore the truth. I am suggesting that common sense often tells us the starting point for explaining what is going on—no need to remain confused or baffled. We can agree on specific facts and fundamentals. Look around. Be observant. Add 2+2. The answer is always 4.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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