Why is it easier to make assessments and pass judgment than it is to observe?
Discussion
Because it uses less energy.
Yes, but why? It would seem that not jumping to conclusions could be even easier.
It would if you didn't care. If there is a situation which arouses your interest, you'd have to watch and take input. Both require a lot of "nerve" energy (especially the eyes). You would then have to check the new information against your worldview, which can also be relatively high energy.
I guess, many people just want to spend as little energy as possible. So, of you convince yourself, that the truth/world is the way you believe it is (=prejudice), you don't have to spend any energy, neither observing nor verifying.
Yes
Thinking thoughts is addictive
Interesting. I've never *thought* about it that way before 😂
😂 The judgment "better than" thoughts, in particular, fuel my nervous system to pump the good stuff.
Ahhhhh, yes, I am better than him. My way is superior.
Every fiber of my being being comforted and wrapped in rightness along the way. Feels good, man. Gimme more.
Hahaha relatable. I've been watching that one closely lately
People are constantly seeking reinforce their believes - that the story they tell themselves is the right one.
Assessment & judgement involve fitting things into mental pathways we already have. Observation requires making mental space for a greater amount of detail which may not readily connect to anything.
Good answer
Because observation without jumping to conclusions might yield new knowledge and in most people's minds that might get them ostracized by their tribe - most people are disgusting like that I think.
Our conscious mind likes to rationalise & make sense of what is observed.
We like to fit the world into our definitions & beliefs, so we construct a story to tell ourselves & others. The story we tell ourselves is never real but it provides comfort for our insecure ego.
I've found it hard at times to observe without creating a story, my mind at a minimum wants to apply labels & describe what's happening. It's in these situations that you can shift your focus to observe the story teller. To listen passively to your mind construct the story without judging the story or the author. There's a part of you that's aware of all of this happening. I always have a little chuckle when I become aware of the story being constructed.
To try to directly change or stop the story being told is a fruitless exercise. You change the story by changing your beliefs & then reinforcing those beliefs with observed experience.
Adjust your filters to shape the story.
Yes