Thinking for myself

A Rebellious Encouragement

Ideas are too often treated as gospel opinions

Interrupting perspectives with no pushback

Imitating authority, demanding allegiance

Intoxicated by a loud version of morality, or spirituality, or whatever

Impressed when our biases are confirmed

Imagination suppressed-- fear stoked

Itching for resolve, we collapse into an echo chamber

Insulated, protected, we feel safe

It’s all the same

In a turn of phrase that feels biblical,

Injecting their poison, Newly and Bricusse wrote in 1971,

“If you want to view paradise, Simply look around and view it...”

Infected by this tiny virus called curiosity

(It’s the healthiest sickness I could’ve hoped for)

I’ve been forever marked with

Impressive bite marks that still swell red 40+ years later.

Instructing me, no,

Imploring me

To be curious. Ask questions. Talk back.

Seek perspective. Don’t be told how to think.

And it’s served me well. I hope I never get better.