Skepticism

In my Research Methods class we looked at the difference between pseudoscience and science. We studied the characteristics of pseudoscience and were challanged to question everything and research everything. Our professor made it clear that it's ok to believe in something even if there is no evidence for it, or if there isn't a good reason to believe in it. But be a skeptic, and learn for yourself what you believe.

This is important for development anyways, and we all do it naturally. Part of defining ourselves is defining the world around us and the role we play. So often we hear of people "finding themselves". In my experience, I'm constantly finding myself. We're all so complex and changing that when we do find "ourselves", it's only a fragment, and then it morphs into something else. Or we hold it so dear to ourselves that we keep renewing it, even when it's not true anymore.

Anyways, in making values and morals, we need to decide we believe a certain way. For everything, we should have a reason, even for our faith. (1 Peter 3:15)

Our professor had us research a few subjects to see what we found. We found out that homeopathic medicine is a hoax. Chiropractic medicine is a hoax (in fact, the number of accidental deaths in neck adjustments is amazingly high). Although the only evidence is that back adjustments may or may not reduce pain. Can't hurt, but isn't really a remedy. And Airborne doesn't work in clinical studies. In fact, taking the recommended dosage can cause kidney stones and an overdoes on Vitamin A. (I want to research EmergenC next).

We also talked about the pseudoscience of Astrology. I've never believed in it, and the Bible speaks against even reading horoscopes. I believe it mainly comes down to self-fulfilling prophesy. I mean, if it tells you that you're going to have a rough day in your love life, then of course you are, because you're already defeated in that area. It's just so dangerous when people become slaves to it.

Some of the people in my class still swear by it because they've seen it come true in some circumstances and feel that they fit the characteristics of their zodiac sign. Ok, coming true, that's called Confirmation Bias. What about all the times it didn't come true? And there are so many characteristics that are so broad. I think I fit over half of the zodiac signs. Out of curiosity I looked up my sign. Gemini.


Gemini's are the intellectuals of the zodiac, known for their cleverness, curiosity and excellent communication. Only three out of four right there. I am pretty smart. And I'd say I'm clever, and somewhat curious. But "excellent communication"? Are you kidding? Ha! I am the worst at keeping up with people, and making small talk and meeting people....no. Always questioning and often insightful, they're typically fascinating and light spirited companions with a diverse knowledge. I wouldn't say I'm light spirited. In fact, I can be pretty dark and tranquil. Highly adaptable, I hate change. I cried for about a month after starting Joshua. they’re fast thinkers and fast talkers, often able to get inside other peoples heads while discussing almost anything. Except for all the times I come up with valid arguments hours after the conversation is over. Due to this your Gemini woman is likely to be highly adept at flirting and very hard to beat in an argument! Maybe this is true? But isn't it for a lot of people? I'd say the old me was hard to beat in an argument. I've learned now that it's ok to disagree and I don't need to conform everyone to my beliefs.
In short, the price paid for her intellectual firepower is a relative lack of emotion. Yeah...if you knew me in high school, you'd know I'm a really emotional person. I wore my heart on my sleeve. Now that the hormones have calmed down, I'm still really emotional (just ask Doug), but I've grown up. but She thinks too much, and feels too little, which has some consequences in many aspects of her life. I'd say I think too much and feel too much, and that's a tough combination. Cause then some of the emotions I feel aren't real. These certainly arent all bad, she's never too emotional or draining yes I am, and always quick to make fun of a bad situation and find a solution to it More like bite the bullet and get through it. And sarcasm. Lots of sarcasm. Her mental complexity is however sometimes misconstrued as being contradictory, superficial or unreliable. This one's up to your judgement. I've never been told I'm contradictory, superficial, or unreliable though.

I also stumbled on the physical characteristics of a gemini. There's a whole list of generic body types, and some of them even contradicted each other. But it did say this:
"The body shape will almost invariably be somewhat thin with a short trunk and long limbs."
Yeah...I've got short limbs and a freakishly long torso. Ok, maybe not freakishly long. If my legs were as long as my mom's, we'd be the same height. My torso is almost as long as Doug's. I have to order my jeans in "short" so I don't trip over them. I do have long arms, but also a long torso. And short legs. So no, I don't even fit the physical description.

But don't take my thoughts as yours. Do your own research and come up with your own conclusions. About everything.