The world is grey

It's easier to see things in black and white, when in reality there's a lot of shades of grey in between.

Hollywood movies, politicians, etc, they all like to portray things as either good or bad; you are either a hero or a villian. I still remember what Bush said when pushing for a war with Iraq, "If you're not with us, you're with them!". How clever of him. And how stupid of Americans to be fooled by him.

The world is not either black or white.

But there's an increasing tendency for the people to believe so. Because it's easier to do so. Truth, however, is never easy.

It is indeed sad to see how rationalism has faded. People believe more in capitalism, emotions and blind faith more than anything else in this century. It should be understandable that during the 1st and 2nd millenium of a.d., people are shrouded from the truth, and are often incapable of reasoning due to their inept understanding of nature; lack of information and education; and constant oppression from tyrants that ruled with an iron-fist. People are made to believe kings and emperors got their mandate from heaven and gods. People are made to believe that gods manipulated weather and life sacrifices would alleviate bad weather.

But as we read in history, philosophers and scientists have then come together over the past few centuries to provide us the tools to see the truth for ourselves. And for that, I used to think that with the wide-spread of education and technology, people's ability to rationale things will improved. In reality, it is the opposite.

Come to think of it, I shouldn't find this reality shocking. During the pinnacle of the Chinese technology in the 14 century, Chinese officials were corrupted and blinded by money too. They showed no sense of rationalism, only a heightened sense of blind faith.

...

I truly believe that only in rationalism can human transcend.

Yes, we need love and faith. But when definition of love is blurred, when different faiths of the world are warring each other, when emotions are turbulent, it is rationalism that will provide the solution.

And it will be because of rationalism that we will be able to distinct ourselves from other beings. Only will then, we will be worthy to be called - "intelligent" beings.