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Dan Barber

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Is there an attitude that can allow people to better filter/apply the ideas that they learn?

We’ve all seen the power of ideas, but I have realized something recently. There might be an over-saturation of ideas. It used to be that when people heard of a new idea, they were able to apply it to life immediately. Now, though, we are overwhelmed by all the ideas every day. Even I would like to watch more TED talks every day, but I am getting tired of more and more responsibility for knowing all the right decisions in life. I can’t help but wonder if sometimes when we are applying new ideas, we are also forgetting old ones. We used to have enough space to learn the important and the unimportant ideas. Maybe we need to learn an attitude that allows us to filter ideas and really latch onto the most important ones. I personally have seen people’s ability to neglect the most important things in life, and focus on the unimportant. Perhaps there is a life attitude that can allow us to simply take pride in efficiently applying all the ideas to life. If such a life changing attitude exists, it ought to be the first idea that we spread. Any ideas?

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  • Sachita Nishal

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    Dec 30 2012: Take your time. It's all in your hands. And then, you might be impressed by some ideas but they might not be suitable for the situations YOU face daily. So think them over and see if you really need to apply them or not. Ifyou dont need them, they are essentially unimportant and you neddnt focus on them. If you get some that you consider essential for yourself then go ahead actually try to make them the motto of your life. Try to think about situations where you can apply them but then again, don't over think. Just, you know, chill and when you are on a tough spot, see if you can use these ideals. What say?
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    Lejan . 30+

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    Dec 29 2012: 'Any ideas?'

    Yes, YOU are your filter. So get YOUR attitude! :o)

  • Dan Barber

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    Dec 26 2012: I appreciate the comments so far. Sorry for being vague, but now I will explain a little more about the question. I have done a few mission trips and really tried to study poverty. I have seen how many problems could easily be solved with just an ounce of prevention. More importantly, people have the power to solve their own problems when they can feel their own sense of dignity/power. With these matters I am in a huge hurry, as I realize that with just a little ambition + a simple idea that spreads by itself, many people could stop living in horrible situations. This "filter" might be an attitude that allows people to find their own solutions to each problem. Perhaps if people could be excited to live life with a goal, they would better apply what they learn. It's like how memorizing a series of letters is much easier when they form words.
    Not just third world countries, though. Even we have self destructive habits. I'm sure you can wash clothes and cook just fine, but don't you have any real problems/aspirations? Once you are in touch with what you need, you will have the power to either fix it or neglect it.

  • greg dahlen 20+

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    Dec 25 2012: Dan, this is a hard question to answer because an idea that's important to you might not be important to me. For example, perhaps you need more ideas about how to wash your clothes more effectively. I might already know how to wash my clothes but I need ideas for what I can make in the kitchen. So we're going to filter differently. It might come down to really being in touch with what we need.

    Also, I agree with Mark that one doesn't have to be in a super rush. In general, if you don't get the idea you need today, you'll get it tomorrow.
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Dec 25 2012: I like Mark's answer and would add two concrete aids to direction. One is to focus on what you value most or where you have a special ability to contribute for some reason. The second is to focus more on excellent than on optimal. An attitude of seeking to determine an optimal strategy in every undertaking is a recipe for getting stuck, because the information processing demands of that approach are too high, given the number of decisions we must make and actions we may take each day.
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    Mark Kurtz 20+

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    Dec 24 2012: Dan, would you consider open mind, slow down and think? Yes, there are a lot of ideas and I agree that people sometimes do not choose well.

    What's the hurry? The fact that a lot of people like to share ideas and many of them are good, is no cause to consider those ideas a new obliged law for one's behavior or obligation to accept or apply to life. We can choose and do so at the pace that fits our style or need. We'd all do better if we'd just slow down and listen to one another. Ideas presented well and that benefit the public should be considered fairly and respectfully. To wit: educators' ideas for improvements.

    The fact that we humans are now able to share ideas rapidly and to learn rapidly is no guarantee of quality of life. Each of us may define quality according to our experiences and understanding.

    So, the attitude to allow people to filter and apply ideas is love and patience mixed with an open mind. We are in a rapid relay world situation because of fast paced communications on the Internet and with smart phones. I am thinking the human mind needs time to absorb well to make the right choices you imply here as necessary.

    What say others?
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