"Half our mistakes in life arise from feeling where we ought to think, and thinking where we ought to feel"
- John Churton Collins
About this Quote
The quote by John Churton Collins, "Half our mistakes in life arise from feeling where we ought to believe, and thinking where we should feel," articulates the fragile balance in between emotion and rationality in decision-making. It suggests that a number of our missteps are due to utilizing the wrong technique in provided scenarios-- relying on emotions when logical thinking is essential, and alternatively, using cold logic when compassion and sensations should take precedence.
When Collins mentions "feeling where we should believe," he refers to circumstances where our choices are clouded by emotions such as worry, enthusiasm, or love rather of being directed by objective analysis and rational thought. In circumstances needing clear and tactical thinking, such as company decisions or problem-solving situations, allowing emotions to dominate can result in poor judgment and suboptimal results. Feelings can obscure truths, sway judgments, and frequently lead to spontaneous actions without due consideration of long-lasting consequences.
On the other hand, "thinking where we ought to feel" highlights the mistakes that happen when we neglect compassion and psychological insight in situations that require empathy, understanding, or ethical factor to consider. For example, in interpersonal relationships or scenarios involving ethical dilemmas, an extremely analytical technique can encounter as cold or insensitive, thus undermining human connection and moral responsibility. Scientific, accurate, and detachment in contexts requiring psychological resonance can strip away the essence of what it suggests to connect to others on a human level.
Collins' quote encapsulates the significance of discernment in knowing when to engage our emotional intelligence and when to apply reasonable idea. The challenge depends on establishing the wisdom to sense which is proper in differing situations, cultivating a more balanced technique to life choices that reduces mistakes and supports both intellectual and emotional growth. Welcoming this balance can cause more unified interactions and reliable decision-making, ultimately directing us towards a more satisfied existence.
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