11/07/14 11:44
Imagine you were given powerful device that let you see the future: It could show you how would things be tomorrow, next week, or even 50 years from now. Even better, the device would tell you what you could do now to
change the future into what you wanted.
How awesome would that be? What would you do with such power?
Here's the thing: This super device already exists, and every human being was born with one, embedded right in our skulls.
Yes, it's far from perfect, and not 100% accurate. It won't tell you who will win the next World Cup, but it is shockingly useful for many things that matter much more.
“Want to live to over 90? Skip the jelly donuts and start walking in the evenings to dramatically increase your chances.”
“Want to be rich? Become an expert at something people will throw money at you to do.”
“Want to live in a better, more peaceful world? Go reach out to the people who live in your neighborhood and beyond, and spend more time with them.”
If these answers seem simple and trite, it's because you've heard them a thousand times before, mostly from your very own mind.
Our ability to know the consequences of our actions (or inactions) is astoundingly accurate. But even more astounding is our ability to suppress and ignore our better judgments.
Related: Society.