The tale of the elder tree
Dogma, critical thinking and informed societies
Once upon a time in a small, secluded village nestled deep within a forest, there lived a community with an unshakable belief in the mystical powers of a centuries-old oak tree. This massive oak, known as the "Elder Tree," had branches that reached high into the sky and roots that delved deep into the earth. Its trunk was encircled by intricate carvings and symbols, each representing the hopes and dreams of generations past.
The villagers believed that the Elder Tree held the power to grant them good fortune, protection from misfortune, and the answers to their most pressing questions. It was not just a tree to them; it was a sacred entity to be revered and consulted.
For generations, the village had lived by the dogma that the Elder Tree's wisdom was infallible. They gathered around it every full moon to offer tributes and seek guidance. The village elder, a wise woman named Elara, was the appointed intermediary between the people and the Elder Tree. She had devoted her life to interpreting the rustling of its leaves, the patterns of its bark, and the shapes of the shadows it cast. Her reputation as a symbol of mindfulness had brought her much attention and many gifts from other communities.
One evening, as the villagers gathered around the Elder Tree under the shimmering light of the full moon, a young man named Landon couldn't help but question the dogma that had governed their lives. He had always been curious, seeking answers beyond the tree's cryptic messages. He could not help but let his mind wander beyond the widely accepted teachings. Was his mind really only meant to receive without question? Would the villagers abandon him if he did not share those beliefs with them? When Elara approached the tree to interpret its messages, Landon stepped forward, his voice trembling with uncertainty. "But what if the Elder Tree's wisdom is not infallible? What if we've been following dogma blindly for centuries? Shouldn't we seek answers from other sources too?"
A hushed gasp swept through the crowd. The very idea of questioning the Elder Tree's wisdom was sacrilegious to them. Elara welcomed the opportunity for dialogue, just as she had many moons ago with a handsome traveller, but could not quite bring herself to accept it. "Landon," she said, "our traditions have guided us well for generations. They are not only the basis for what we do, but at the heart of who we are. But if you feel the need for additional answers, you are free to seek them, but not pollute our village’s harmony with your doubts.
Determined to explore, Landon ventured beyond the village into the world outside the forest. He encountered scholars, mystics, and travellers from distant lands, each with their own wisdom and beliefs. Could they all be wrong? could they not all be right in their own way and benefit from each others’ wisdom? He learned about different cultures, philosophies, and ways of seeing the world. Over time, his heart became a tapestry woven with threads of various beliefs and perspectives. More importantly, his mind expanded beyond what he thought was possible and he made his life’s mission to preach openness and discussion of all topics.
Years passed, and Landon returned to his village with newfound knowledge and experiences. As he approached, he noticed the tree had burned to the ground. Shocked by this discovery he went around the village to find out what had happened to such a majestic gift of nature. “We cut down the liar” said one of the villagers , and “chased the witch out ! “. Landon could not believe his ears, what was this all about?! As he later learned, Elara’s predictions of a prosperous future for the farmers of the community had been all wrong, and both draught and heavy rains wrecked havoc on the fragile cultures. The village had since gotten back on its feet, but both Elara and the tree could not be forgiven for their fallible nature.
Landon understood that he had a responsibility towards his community. With humility and gratitude, he shared his insights with the village, encouraging them to embrace the wisdoms of the world without prejudice, while also exploring other avenues of knowledge for themselves. Slowly, the villagers began to see the value of diverse perspectives, and they opened their hearts and minds to the richness of the wider world.
In time, the village became known not for dogmatic beliefs but for its open-mindedness and willingness to learn from all sources of wisdom. At the site where the Elder Tree once stood, still revered, the villagers built an amazing library and an academy where travellers from near and far come come, share and learn. The remains of the old tree still stood as a symbol of the importance of tradition, tempered by the wisdom that comes from questioning and exploring the world beyond dogma.
In our digital age, the proliferation of information seems synonymous with the promotion of critical thinking. After all, the ability to access diverse perspectives, data, and viewpoints should theoretically encourage individuals to question, analyse, and challenge their own beliefs. Yet, to me, the reality is more complex and multi faceted.
One aspect of this paradox is the rise of echo chambers, facilitated by social media algorithms and personalised content recommendations. When we are constantly surrounded by information that aligns with our existing beliefs and values, it becomes easier to reinforce our preconceived notions and dismiss opposing viewpoints as irrelevant or misguided. It nurtures a climate of confirmation bias, where we seek information that affirms what we already believe, rather than engaging with the discomfort of dissenting ideas.
Moreover, the sheer volume of information available can overwhelm and paralyse us. In the face of a constant barrage of news, articles, videos, and social media updates, one can become trapped in a state of information overload that often leads to superficial skimming of bits and pieces of info.
Furthermore, the ease with which information spreads on social media has created a fertile ground for dogma. Narratives gain traction quickly, appealing to individuals who are inclined to embrace dogmatic beliefs that align with their fears or suspicions that can lead to the siloing of communities and ideologies.
So, how can we navigate this paradox and ensure that the wealth of information at our fingertips promotes, rather than inhibits, critical thinking? As we navigate the digital landscape, we should equip ourselves with the skills to discern reliable sources from unreliable ones, to question the motivations behind the information presented, and to cultivate a habit of critical inquiry.
I believe it has become increasingly important to consciously seek out diverse perspectives and engage with them thoughtfully. Stepping out of our echo chambers and engaging in constructive conversations with those who hold different beliefs can broaden our horizons and encourage empathy and understanding.
Lastly, as consumers of information, we should be mindful of our own cognitive biases and emotional responses. Recognising our predispositions allows us to approach new information with greater objectivity and open-mindedness.
Actively cultivating critical thinking skills is a must Accepting diverse viewpoints, and approach information with a discerning and open mindset is vital. In the face of cancel culture, we can harness the power of information to expand our intellectual horizons , promoting more thoughtful and informed societies.
