“First think, then dare” (Helmuth von Moltke).
It is true that most of us need to be more courageous, but it is also true that we need to consider our actions before we take them. As von Moltke says, the correct order of action is “First consider, then courage.” And the more consequential the courage, the deeper should be the contemplation before it.
“Ponder” comes from Latin Ponds (“weight”). It means to consider something carefully. When we ruminate, we “weigh” an idea in our mind, thinking about how important it is or, if the idea is actionable, what the outcome might be. Thinking is more than casual thinking – it is thinking with care and thoroughness.
There’s no better way to build credibility than being the person who thinks things through. Living an impulsive life is not the way to be trustworthy. In fact, we should not do Our credulity is too high if we don’t consider things carefully. If we were known to act rashly, we would not be the people our friends turn to in times of need or difficulty. Our carelessness will prevent us from being as reliable as we want to be.
The notion that ideas can be “weighed” into our minds should be of more than immediate interest. Contrary to what many people think these days, not all ideas are equal and interchangeable. Some weigh more than others; That is, something is more true, important, beneficial, beautiful, etc. The challenge in thinking is to consider them and understand which ideas have weight and which do not. When we are making decisions, we should give more importance to weighty considerations and less attention to light common sense. And the same principle applies when we are evaluating our words: we must choose wisely between words that are good, better, and best.
Being a person who ruminates on things can seem very boring, as if the person has never done anything except think. But the truth is that when we are in a receptive state of mind, life is never dull. Those who take time to contemplate the world and its phenomena often find that wonder takes over their reverie. When we meditate wisely, we are not just passing the time; We are preparing for a breakthrough. Contemplation opens our hearts and minds to pleasant discoveries!
“I keep the subject constantly before me, and wait until the first morning slowly, gradually, opens into the full and clear light” (Isaac Newton).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
