Clearly, employing rational arguments, to persuade individuals (who are, by definition, irrational) to adopt rational thought processes, is an exercise doomed to frustration and failure. One needs to find another approach. The irrational hordes are clearly obsessed with the actions of their leaders both living and dead. Perhaps the only answer is for these leaders to extol the benefits of employing independent rational thinking - by both word and deed.
Obviously, until such time as historic leaders come back from the dead and reassume their roles, this task will have to be left to the living. These current leaders, however (and others) can perhaps put a more rational "spin" on the words and deeds of their predecessors. Current leaders (of every variety) can of course, take more direct action in regard to the task on hand.
For instance, any serious sports fan knows that, when their heroes or heroines are operating at the top of their game, they are not blindly and obediently following any rules. Their body and their minds are operating in another zone entirely. Both are performing at blinding speed with total grace and perfection. Far from being hard work, their performance is flowing, graceful and, as the athlete, who is in the zone, will tell you - "effortless".
Some would claim that rational thought processes have nothing to do with these graceful actions. Whether the practitioner knows it or not, however, the rational thought processes are very much involved. It is just that these processes (unimpeded by trying to adhere to a rigid set of rules) are spontaneously occurring at lightning speeds.
If these super athletes (and their fans) should see the wisdom of employing the same rational thought processes in all their activities, the benefits, of employing this tool, would soon become apparent to many. For those who may still question that rational thought processes are involved, in these rapid action performances, let us consider the following scenario.
Imagine 3 individuals facing a crisis of personal survival of some kind - a train wreck, a boat sinking whatever. The good obedient follower will try desperately and slowly to remember any rules which could help in dealing with this particular situation and would then attempt to follow these rules to the T. The less obedient follower will revert to his animal instinct and start jumping up and down and screaming or running around in circles or, perhaps, remain frozen to the spot - whatever his or her instinct dictates.
Neither of these reactions is likely to provide a way out of the crisis. In the latter case, these actions are doomed to failure for obvious reasons. In the former case, no list of rules, no matter how extensive can come anywhere close to taking into account the infinite variety of circumstances - in an infinite variety of situations
On the other hand, the individual, who is in the habit of relying on rational thought processes, will immediately unleash his mind to consider every possible action imaginable - without the slightest restraint. His rational thought processes will return the answer to this query with lightning speed - maybe even faster than Google. Having developed total confidence in his rational thought processes, he will act immediately to save his ass - and will, more than likely, succeed in this endeavor.
Clearly, employing rational thought processes, besides being very effective, in certain circumstances, at saving one's ass, may also be employed very effectively for achieving other goals. Unfortunately, while many leaders (from various fields) may employ rational thought processes very effectively, in one particular area, they, clearly, often fail to do so in other areas.
Possibly one of the reasons, both on an individual level and on a societal level, rational thought processes may not be very effective, is a failure to clearly delineate the task these processes need to accomplish. It is clear that these processes may be employed much more efficiently when used to address a root problem rather than a multitude of symptoms derived from this core problem.
For example, on an individual level, if the superstar athlete employs his rational thought processes to determine whether a blue Ferrari or a red Ferrari would make him happier, he should not be surprised if the decision reached has little effect on his happiness.
On a societal level, when the powers that be, in the United States, address the problems of "how to win the war on terror, or the war on drugs?" (with all the rational thought prosesses they can muster) they should not be surprised when, at the end of the day, they still seem to be getting nowhere.
Compare the above 2 illustrations, if you will, with the previous one of the individual in the train wreck, who unleashes his rational thought processes at the very basic root problem of "How do I save my ass?" His rational thought processes unlike, the above 2 illustrations (which more than likely are limited by a number of restrictive rules) are completely unfettered and free to travel at lightning speed in any direction they choose.
Practice makes perfect, in the development of any skill, and this certainly applies to employing rational thought processes. One can only hope that both on an indivual level and a societal level this practice starts soon
Coming full circle then, can a small group of individuals enjoying "The Perfect Escape" have the slightest effect , one way or the other, on the continuing carnage and suffering on our planet?
If a butterfly flaps it's wings ------
The answer is probably not - but it is a pleasant and probably harmless dream. If a group of 30 total strangers can find a way to spend a week "stranded on a desert island - with no T.V." (without actually killing each other (or even voting anyone off) and perhaps even having a very enjoyable time) there may be some lessons to be learned. Those lessons are likely to be a tad more useful than those learned from watching the television reality series "Survivor".
Whatever lessons are learned will naturally filter back to the real world and, who knows?
Rumors are very easily started and, as they say, often "spread like wildfire"
