Let's start with a great thing about humans. For all our flaws, we have the ability to look at ourselves and make plans and decisions for improvement.
Having spent a lot of time in cities, I've been impressed by rats. Rats are extremely clever and resourceful. At the same time, I don't see them lounging around thinking,"How can I be a better rat today? I've been all about my needs; what do Francis and Susan need?"
Humans though, don't just behave: we can watch ourselves behave.
And now I can see my grandfather's firm look while advising, "Watch yourself." He and I never talked about metacognition, but this is how it's done.
We have to hold opposites. We have our reflexive responses to incoming information. Then, and often only after the fact, we get the chance to watch ourselves.
Robert, who among other things draws these illustrations, reminds me that every day we're either getting better or getting worse. Some days we get worse. The thing is, we can know that and take steps to get better. Sometimes when we get better, it catches us by surprise. How did we do that? How can we do it again?
Last week, I wrote about watching my consumption of media and advertising. I'm still unsubscribing to the stragglers. I'm a little dismayed by how much I'd allowed in without having exercised real discernment. Now I'm watching how I spend my time in other ways.
In the spirit of holding opposites, I can't, and shouldn't be, examining everything. Often I need to trust my instincts. Too much self absorption becomes narcissism. I better watch myself -- or is it not-watch myself?
Let me try again. The simplest form of metacognition is to watch ourselves. Another form is called rising above ourselves. Somehow humans can climb to an elevated position of consciousness where we can imagine acting beyond fear and greed. Acquiring the courage to act unselfishly is another step since, to our instincts, it’s just stupid. Hence greed is good. Sending Jesus, Mary, Joseph back to Herod? They're on their own. We need to take care of what’s ours.
The hardest thing here is I can't argue that I'm right. All I can tell you is the people I most admire are the ones throughout history who have made the effort to rise above themselves. A distressing number of them were martyred. I could make you a list, but I suspect the best are, and always have been, unknown to all but a few others around them. Who were the people who helped Mary, Joseph, and Jesus when they fled to a foreign land? Who helped them find work? Who helped them return and who welcomed them when they had to settle in a place that wasn't their birthplace?
Trusting my instincts, and just saying I want to be counted among those people.
Warm regards,
Francis Sopper
REFERENCED IN THIS LETTER:
greed is good: https://youtu.be/6bbzwJ0Sx48?si=nrbsR4cF7u0naZjo
back to Herod: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A13-23&version=NIV