"I am on a mission." I don’t know where my 4-year-old son Ezra picked up this phrase, but it aptly describes his determination. Despite numerous attempts, he consistently encountered the same issue: starting the letter 'S' from the top left corner instead of the top right. This would cause him to swoop backwards, and his muscle memory from backwards swoops caused the letter 'S' to become the number '3' instead. His frustration stemmed from not understanding why he couldn’t write the letter 'S' that he had written so many times before.
Ezra’s challenge mirrors the philosophical journey described by Charles S. Peirce in "The Fixation of Belief," where he explores the formation and stabilization of beliefs. Peirce delves into how beliefs are formed and solidified, emphasizing that doubt and inquiry are crucial for reshaping our understanding and guiding our actions.
Ezra's confidence in his ability to write the letter 'S' was shaken by repeated failures, instigating doubt. According to Peirce, this doubt triggered a process of inquiry, as Ezra sought to resolve the inconsistency. Peirce posits that doubt is an uneasy and dissatisfied state from which we strive to escape, pushing us to resolve inconsistencies. Similarly, Ezra’s frustration drove him to persistently try to correct his writing.
Peirce highlights that transitioning from doubt to belief involves a struggle he terms inquiry. This process is driven by the discomfort of doubt, motivating us to seek a stable state of belief that can effectively guide our actions. For Ezra, this meant aligning his muscle memory with the correct form of the letter 'S' through repeated attempts and adjustments.
Belief and doubt, Peirce explains, have distinct practical effects. While belief leads to habitual actions, doubt compels us to question and refine our understanding. Ezra’s habitual action of starting the letter 'S' from the top left, resulting in a backward '3,' was a manifestation of his belief system. His frustration and continued efforts to correct this habit exemplify the inquiry process Peirce describes.
Changing mental paradigms is challenging, a fact adults know well, as our beliefs and habits tend to solidify over time. However, even when a problem seems insurmountable, it is crucial to remember that change necessitates the struggle of inquiry. For Ezra, this meant starting the letter 'S' on the right to force swooping back left in the correct direction. In many cases, only a slight shift in perspective or approach can lead to significant breakthroughs.
Doubt and inquiry are crucial in transforming our mental paradigms. Ezra's determination to overcome his writing challenge reflects the universal struggle to resolve doubts and attain clarity, a process that profoundly shapes our understanding and actions. In spite of the frustration, Ezra was truly able to embrace this journey, something I can certainly strive to do better. By embracing the struggle of inquiry, we can better navigate the challenges of reshaping our beliefs and actions in both our personal and professional lives.
Written by Alex J. Lindeke
