COULD THIS BE ME –

Alexander of Aphrodisius, the Greek philosopher and commentator on the writings of Aristotle once stated, “There are three causes that prevent men from discovering the exact truth: first, arrogance and vainglory (conceit); second, the subtlety, depth and difficulty of the subject which is being examined; thirdly, ignorance and want of capacity to comprehend what might be comprehended.” Moses Maimonides stated that there was a fourth cause, and that being habit and training. Says Maimonides, “We naturally like what we have been accustomed to, and are attracted towards it. This may be observed among villagers; though they rarely enjoy the benefit of a shower or bath, and have few enjoyments, and pass a life or privation, they dislike town life and do not desire its pleasures, preferring the inferior things to which they are accustomed, to the better things to which they are strangers; it would give them no pleasure to live in palaces, to be clothed in silk, and to indulge in baths, ointments, and perfumes.” Maimonides goes on the explain, “The same is the case with those opinions of man to which he has become accustomed from his youth; he likes them, defends them, and shuns the opposite views. This is likewise one of the causes that prevent men from finding the truth, and which make them cling to their habitual opinions.” These may be the wise thoughts of ancient men, but they should never become ancient thoughts to men and women of wisdom. – Dr. Robert R Seyda