In his forward to Hy Ruchlis’s book, Clear Thinking, Isaac Asimov describes how he indulges himself in what he knows is superstitious thinking when it comes to the weather around a luncheon club he attends on Tuesdays. He explains his reasons:
“Then why do I insist that Tuesdays are always nasty? Because it makes me feel better to think that the universe is persecuting me; because it heightens my feeling of drama; because when I wake up on Tuesdays and find the heavens dripping I can say triumphantly, ‘See!’”
And he expresses a fear that I think many of us suspect is true:
“In other words, to be a devotee of clear thinking sometimes deprives you of pleasure.”
I respectfully disagree.
I don’t see any reason not to indulge yourself in the way that he describes. It’s a very human experience, and as such, it’s a great way to connect to other humans.
You’ll find yourself entertaining those kinds of thoughts all your life, no matter how skilled you get at clear thinking. Clear thinking just allows you to recognize them and to rethink them when they matter.
Moreover, the act of rethinking a superstitious idea and discovering the more likely reality is in itself a pleasurable activity.
Clear thinking doesn’t have to be a choice between pleasure and harsh reality. I’ve never found ignorance to be bliss; ignorance just delays our perception of reality.
I find it much more pleasant to accept reality before it has to hit you over the head to get your attention.
