The Media’s Influence: A Personal Experiment in Thought Formation
During college, while immersing myself in philosophy and political science, I embarked on an experiment that would profoundly reshape my understanding of thought formation. I challenged myself: for one entire month, I would abstain from any form of media that contained words, except for reading. This meant no TV, no lyrical music, no podcasts. My world was to be filled with my own thoughts, the insights from my readings, and the perspectives of those I interacted with in person.
This experiment stemmed from a burgeoning curiosity: where did all of my thoughts originate from? Was it a legacy from my parents? Was I born with these thoughts encoded in my DNA? A byproduct of the movies, TV shows, and music I had consumed growing up? Or perhaps it was influenced by my circle of friends? As I delved deeper into philosophical texts, I began to notice inconsistencies in my beliefs and realized that some of my long-held views were riddled with logical errors that were complicating my life.
Lessons from a Month Without Media:
Constant Learning from Media:
One of the most striking realizations was that I was always learning, whether I intended to or not. Media, in all its forms, was constantly teaching me, shaping my perceptions and beliefs. This realization underscored the importance of being discerning about the content I consumed and highlighted the need for critical thinking, even during leisure.
Furthermore, this experiment taught me the value of being selective with the media I consumed. Instead of passively absorbing content for mere entertainment, I began actively curating my media diet to align with my goals and values. By flooding my social media with content that was beneficial and resonated with my aspirations, I could more easily reshape my thoughts and perspectives.
While it was challenging to completely eliminate all non-beneficial media, I significantly increased my consumption of content that positively influenced my frame of mind, ensuring a healthier mental environment.
The Cyclical Nature of Thoughts:
My thoughts, I discovered, had a tendency to be repetitive. This month-long experiment taught me the art of introspection. I learned to dissect a recurring thought, understand its origin, its impact on my emotions, and the reasons behind its obsessive nature. This process allowed me to reach resolutions, freeing my mind from the endless loops of certain thoughts.
As the years went by, this ability to recognize and address repetitive thoughts became an invaluable habit. Taking the time to focus on and explore these thoughts helped me navigate the complexities of my 20s and continues to be a guiding force in my life today. By constantly practicing this introspection, I’ve been able to reshape and refine my thought patterns, leading to a more balanced and purposeful life.
Craving Genuine Human Connection:
In the absence of TV and music, I felt a void, a yearning for human connection. But this void turned out to be a blessing in disguise. My interactions became more genuine, deeper, and devoid of preconceived notions or biases from recent media consumption. The conversations were raw, real, and immensely satisfying.
Rediscovering the Joy of Reading and Writing:
With media out of the picture, reading and writing took center stage. This slower, more deliberate form of communication allowed me to engage deeply with another person’s philosophy and, in turn, understand my own thoughts better. This process was therapeutic, helping me identify and rectify inconsistencies in my beliefs.
Through this journey, I began to dissect each thought, trace its origin, and evaluate its utility. Was it serving me, or was it an uninvited guest, a product of external influences that didn’t resonate with my true self?
Plato’s Allegory of the Cave:
This introspective journey reminded me of one of the foundational teachings in philosophy: Plato’s allegory of the cave. In this allegory, prisoners are chained inside a cave, facing a blank wall. They see shadows projected on the wall from objects passing in front of a fire behind them and give names to these shadows. These shadows are the prisoners’ reality.
The allegory suggests that the shadows on the wall are our perceptions of the world, shaped by our limited experiences and the information we consume. To understand the true form of reality, one must turn away from the shadows and look toward the light.
Much like the prisoners in the cave, our understanding of reality is often shaped by the ‘shadows’ cast by media. It’s only when we turn away, even if momentarily, that we can begin to see the light of truth.
A Challenge to My Readers: Embark on Your Own Journey of Self-Discovery
I wholeheartedly encourage each of you to embark on a similar journey of self-exploration. My experiment was a challenge, primarily because, for as long as I can remember, TV and music served as my pacifiers. They were my go-to sources of instant comfort, a way to momentarily escape or numb the complexities of life.
But perhaps TV and music aren’t your pacifiers. Maybe it’s social media, video games, or even work. We all have our unique comforts that, while providing temporary solace, might also be shielding us from truly engaging with our innermost thoughts and beliefs.
Why not?
Why not challenge yourself? Take a step back from that one thing you lean on for comfort. It doesn’t have to be for a month; even a week or a few days can be enlightening. Use this time to introspect, to engage with your thoughts, and to dissect your personal philosophies. Which beliefs uplift you? Which ones weigh you down? Which thoughts are genuinely yours, and which have been borrowed or imposed by external influences?
This process, while potentially daunting, can be incredibly liberating. By identifying and letting go of beliefs that no longer serve you or the people around you, you create space for thoughts that align more closely with your true self. By transforming detrimental beliefs into beneficial ones, you not only enhance your own well-being but also positively impact those around you.
Wrapping up
Remember, personal growth is a lifelong journey. But sometimes, all it takes is a small experiment, a brief challenge, to catalyze profound change. By actively engaging with your thoughts and beliefs, you set yourself on a path towards a life philosophy that resonates with your core, bringing you lasting joy and peace.
In today’s world, where we are constantly bombarded with information, it’s crucial to step back, introspect, and evaluate the authenticity of our beliefs. Only then can we hope to lead a life that’s true to ourselves.
Learn more about philosophy and how it can help you create the life you want to live in my previous blog post: Unlock Your Purpose: Nietzsche’s Philosophy for Individuality
Learn more about Plato’s Allegory of The Cave here: Plato on: The Allegory of the Cave
