Beliefs should be like fluid entities within the mind, some malleable and doubtful, others more viscous and certain. But feeling certain should never be confused with being incontestable. Once a belief is allowed to solidify, it becomes like a shackle on the mind, inhibiting exploration, learning and growth. A fluid mind should never allow a belief to be so hardened that it is beyond rational scrutiny. A fluid mind always invites rational examination upon even its most cherished convictions.
“When I was a boy, world was better spot.
What was so was so, what was not was not.
Now I am a man; World have changed a lot.
Some things nearly so,
Others nearly not.
There are times I almost think
I am not sure of what I absolutely know.
Very often find confusion
In conclusion I concluded long ago
In my head are many facts
That, as a student, I have studied to procure.
In my head are many facts
Of which I wish I was more certain I was sure!
There are times I almost think
Nobody sure of what he absolutely know.
Everybody find confusion
In conclusion he concluded long ago.
And it puzzle me to learn
That tho’ a man may be in doubt of what he know,
Very quickly he will fight,
He’ll fight to prove that what he does not know is so!
Sometimes I think that people going mad!
Sometimes I think that people not so bad!
But not matter what I think I must go on living life.
...
Everyday I try to live another day.
Everyday I do my best for one-more day!
But. Is a puzzlement!”—Oscar Hammerstein
Copyright © 2026 Daniel G. Delaney