The bane of human life – even pre-history, is the random use of drugs. Since WW2, a new insidious drug has developed which is influencing a very large percentage of the world population; I am referring to television. Unlike with radio listeners, the very nature of television absorbs the attention of the viewer – hence the attraction to advertisers. The more one views – particularly the soaps and the mindless 'reality' programmes, the more the viewer is carried along in a mental mist, almost approaching a stupor. As with chemical drugs, a user’s mind is in real danger of progressively becoming incapable of thinking independently.

All intelligent persons should learn to think for themselves - to mentally challenge the worth of information received; this strengthens character and builds self confidence. Thinking should become a habit – What if? I wonder why? Is this really correct? How true is that? What alternatives are there? Seeking the answers to the many questions that can be raised opens new doors to understanding. The understanding gained may simply be personal fulfilment but it may lead to avenues of development resulting in the universal widening of knowledge.

A matter of current public debate is atheism; largely promoted by Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and others with their Reason Project. Whereas it is reasonable to challenge the basis of religious belief in the light of the ever increasing breadth of knowledge, it is not reasonable to expect people to toss aside long established traditional teachings. Whatever religion a person has been brought up to accept, each of us should seriously consider how much those teachings have been based on myth and legend having no firm foundation in fact.

It is the blind following of religious dogma that has led to so much trouble and strife the world over. We should all learn to be considerate to the views of others; this consideration can only truly come about through understanding. Understanding comes through knowledge born out of thinking.

The main theme of the books listed on "pageofthoughts.com.au" is thinking for oneself and exploring alternatives rather than mindlessly accepting the status quo; this is particularly so with regard to . It is hoped that the content will be found, not only of interest, but of help in approaching matters from a different view-point.

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