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I don't want to sound as if I'm on a soapbox but that may be tough to avoid. Sorry. In addition, I am or have been guilty of ignoring all of the advice listed below , so take it with a grain (or pound) of salt.
We need to relax.
As conscious, busy, productive human beings, we tend to put a false sense of urgency or importance on all kinds of things. Don't get me wrong, sometimes it's necessary, but not as often as we believe.
I have found it beneficial to live life with passion and beliefs, but also with some regard to history. From what I've learned thus far, no individual, especially myself, has been right 100% of the time. That being the case, I've found it helpful to constantly challenge my opinions, asking myself "what if I'm wrong."
For me this approach, if made honestly, has helped with decisions, and ease unnecessary tension.
Essentially the questions are this and in this order:
So it's pretty easy. Now I don't want to convey the idea that I'm passive, but there are some battles better left alone. Two examples of this philosophy:
The Environment
My most recent opinion based on a book by Bjorn Lomborg, I think the environment may not be in as bad of shape as believed by current conventional wisdom. But does that matter? Using the above philosophy, what if I'm wrong?
If incorrect, choices I make today potentially affect the health of the planet both now and in the future. If I'm right, the world is fine, but environmentalists will continue to do what they think is right. Thus, while it may be fine to believe I'm right, greater potential exist to act as if I'm wrong.
Racism
The previous example proves to be a positive net sum (the environmentalists were right so the world is better). On the opposite end, let's assume all of the things racists say actually turn out to be true. Am I wrong to believe everyone is equal? If the facts given in this example are assumed true, then the factual answer is yes.
However, if I follow my philosophy, other options present themselves. What if I'm wrong and the racists are right? The racist's views affect others negatively. So given this, it makes more sense to continue to believe and advocate the wrong stance for the right reasons.
Obviously these are more black and white examples and oftentimes you'll run into gray areas, subjects that don't have all the information, etc., but I feel I'm still able to make my best guess and adjust when necessary. Anyway, sorry for the diatribe, but I figured it may further insight into my views and positions.