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ChangingMinds Blog! > Blog Archive > 02-Nov-14

Sunday 02-November-14

I have studied myself cynical

You know, there was a time when I was innocent and naive. Even in my twenties, despite having a degree and post-grad, I quite believed in mysterious stuff, from ghosts to aliens to out of the body experiences. It was quite a pleasant state as my belief system embraced all kinds of magical things.

But then I couldn't leave well alone. I kept studying and bit by bit, the happy innocence dissolved. I now quite envy people who can believe in metaphysical stuff. And while I respect the religious views of others, the awed choirboy is long gone.

There are benefits, of course. The world makes better sense now. I like people more now that I can understand something of their internal struggles. And the buzz of learning still excites me, even though there are less 'aha's per book than there used to be.

Yet I think there's a trick I'm missing. Surely you can see with both old and young eyes. That a life of learning need not clog the beginner's mind that lets us enjoy the wonder of each moment. Perhaps this is the next thing I should try to learn.