The Burden of Skepticism
The essay the burden of skepticism four levels mentioned below:
Literal Comprehension
“The Burden of Skepticism” is an essay written by the American poet Carl Sagan. In this essay, the writer emphasized that we have to be skeptical to find out whether anything either is right or not.
The writer gives some examples, first, when we buy second-hand cars, if we do have not good information about it, we have minimal skepticism.
In terms of medicine, ornamented advertisements, and political slogans we are hypnotized. In terms of spirit, soul, and rebirth our societies believe it and we also follow it.
It also gives the example of Ramtha, who was only thinking to find out petroleum and mineral resources. She believes that she met a 3500 years old man.
Finally, the writer says, we must have skeptical (doubtful) thinking in that type of event to find out what actually is and what is not.
Interpretation
This essay emphasized scientific experiments to reach fact conclusion. It also says full skepticism is not good as well as we do not have to accept anything without any evidence.
It also taught, only that thing can be accepted, which can be proved as it is right.
Critical Thinking
Although the essay presents the actual life of us humans, that we all do and believe in our lives. However, some unsatisfied statements with this text are:
- Is all-time skepticism possible?
- Are all humans have ideas like scientists?
- How can we believe that Ramtha met a 3500 years old man?
- Is it possible to believe that any human being can live up to 3500 years of age?
Assimilation
Before this text “The Burden of Skepticism”, I used to believe in traditional, historical, spirit, rebirth, etc. without any evidence.
But after reading this text I knew those blind beliefs, and full open-mindedness is not effective. So I have decided from today to not believe in silly things without any pieces of evidence.