1 of 20

Write now Article Tools

Should you think rationally or intuitively? Well, if you are rowing a boat, which oar should you use? Rational and intuitive thought are like the left and right oars, in nearly all situations they are best used together.

If you are a normal human, you have not one but *two* wonderful minds. Your left brain is good at logical, rational tasks. It tends to be very analytic but seems to take more mental effort when you use it. This sort of mental activity is slow and plodding, but can be very accurate if done correctly.

The right brain, on the other hand, is more creative and intuitive. It can reach conclusions quickly without us even being aware of how it does it. This brain can produce some spectacular results, often providing the right solution to problems seemingly out of nowhere. However this side of the brain can also be spectacularly wrong, providing solutions that cause tremendous trouble.

Consider for example the statement made by a famous person, "I work through instinct, and instinct is my best counselor." Would you think that a person who lives that way is likely to make good decisions? Is instinct (or intuition) likely to help avoid danger? It that case it didn't. That statement was from the last interview given by Princess Dianna, shortly before instinct allowed her to go to her death. Intuition or Instinct can give us ideas, but it is usually best to cross-check those ideas with the rational part of our minds.

Another example of the bad effects of over-reliance on intuition is the number of people who "follow their heart" without rational checks and balances. Too many people fall for the idea that "love conquers all" or that they must follow their emotions in matters of romance. That sounds nice, but have you checked the divorce rate in this country? Obviously great numbers of people are being mislead by their emotions.

On the other hand, consider the actions of Jackie Larsen of Minnesota. She encountered Christopher Bono, a clean-cut and well-mannered sixteen year old, as she left a prayer group. Bono said his car was broken down and he needed a ride to meet friends. She sensed that something was wrong and insisted that they talk on the sidewalk, in plain sight of other people.

Larsen said, "I am a mother and I have to talk to you like a mother...I can tell by your manners that you have a nice mother." At the mention of his mother Bono claimed that he didn't know where his mother was. Larsen then sent him to talk to the Pastor while she called police

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about When and when not to think logically?
We want to hear your view. Write now!