It’s strange perhaps that societies and religions often condition human beings to feel ignorant about what is important in nature and the functions of their world. We may feel like we don’t know ourselves well enough, like we may not have all the skills or experience we need to be successful, like happiness and perfection are meant to remain beyond our grasp. We’re taught that feeling smart and solving mysteries leads to self-deception.

At the same time, always making the logical or prudent choice may then prevent us from following our passions. I have to say I’ve been pleased with the results of choices where I haven’t always followed what others would describe as “the prudent path.” I think of Christopher Paolini’s story of Eragon and how different this boy’s life would’ve been if he hadn’t used instincts or made choices based in part on emotions. We have the choice to focus on positive or negative or not judge at all. That’s a real challenge.