Yet it looks as if the thing we use to solve our problems with is the source of our problems. It's like going to the doctor and having him make you ill. In fact, in 20% of medical cases we do apparently have that going on. But in the case of thought, its far over 20%.
Interpretation
Our thinking can often be the root cause of the problems we face, rather than a solution.
David Bohm's quote explores the paradox of how the very tools we use to address and solve our issues—such as our thoughts and reasoning—can also contribute to the problems themselves. He suggests that similar to how medical practices can sometimes lead to further illness, our patterns of thought often complicate our lives more than they clarify or resolve them.
In practice
In a speech about personal development, I might say, 'Remember, sometimes the very thoughts that guide us can also mislead us, as Bohm pointed out.'
Similarly, thought is a system. That system not only includes thought and feelings, but it includes the state of the body; it includes the whole of society - as thought is passing back and forth between people in a process by which thought evolved from ancient times.
What is the source of all this trouble? I'm saying that the source is basically in thought. Many people would think that such a statement is crazy, because thought is the one thing we have with which to solve our problems. That's part of our tradition.
We havent really paid much attention to thought as a process. we have engaged in thoughts, but we have only paid attention to the content, not to the process.
My suggestion is that at each state the proper order of operation of the mind requires an overall grasp of what is generally known, not only in formal logical, mathematical terms, but also intuitively, in images, feelings, poetic usage of language, etc.
The ability to perceive or think differently is more important than the knowledge gained.
Space is not empty. It is full, a plenum as opposed to a vacuum, and is the ground for the existence of everything, including ourselves. The universe is not separate from this cosmic sea of energy.
Much of what we call evil is due entirely to the way men take the phenomenon. It can so often be converted into a bracing and tonic good by a simple change of the sufferer's inner attitude from one of fear to one of fight; its string can so often depart and turn into a relish when, after vainly seeking to shun it, we agree to face about and bear it.
The past is a source of knowledge, and the future is a source of hope. Love of the past implies faith in the future.
As the strings of a lute are apart though they quiver the same music.
For mine own part, it was Greek to me.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
But I'm glad you'll see me as I am. Above all, I wouldn't want people to think that I want to prove anything. I don't want to prove anything, I just want to live; to cause no evil to anyone but myself. I have that right, haven't I?
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