Lu Xun: 'To be suspicious is not a fault. To be suspicious all the time without coming to a conclusion is the defect.'

To be suspicious is not a fault. To be suspicious all the time without coming to a conclusion is the defect.

Sure! Here's the article:"To be suspicious is not a fault. To be suspicious all the time without coming to a conclusion is the defect." - Lu XunIn this thought-provoking quote, Lu Xun highlights the delicate balance between suspicion and decisive action. He suggests that suspicion, when tempered with the resolution to arrive at a conclusion, can be a valuable quality. However, when suspicion lingers indefinitely without resolution, it transforms into a flaw.At first glance, Lu Xun's quote may seem straightforward and simple. It reminds us that being suspicious is not inherently wrong; in fact, it can be a wise and self-protective trait. When we exercise caution and question things that appear dubious, we are more likely to make informed decisions, avoid potential pitfalls, and safeguard our well-being.In today's complex and fast-paced world, a certain level of suspicion is often necessary. We encounter various situations that demand discernment, such as online scams, political misinformation, or even potential dangers in our everyday lives. Suspicion allows us to question the information presented to us and seek the truth. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from falling victim to deception or manipulation.However, Lu Xun does not consider constant suspicion alone as a virtue. The defect lies in remaining indefinitely in a state of uncertainty, without reaching a conclusion. This is where philosophy comes into play - the concept of "the Liar Paradox."The Liar Paradox is a fascinating philosophical problem that explores the self-referentiality of statements. It arises when a statement refers to itself in a way that leads to a contradiction. One of the most famous examples of the Liar Paradox is the statement: "This sentence is false." If we consider the statement to be true, then it must be false. However, if we consider it false, then it would have to be true. This paradox leaves us in a perpetual state of uncertainty, similar to the never-ending suspicion mentioned by Lu Xun.By introducing the Liar Paradox, we gain a deeper understanding of Lu Xun's quote. While the Liar Paradox deals with self-referential statements, the defect of constant suspicion without conclusion can be seen as a form of self-referential pattern. In both cases, there is a circular reasoning that keeps us trapped in a loop of uncertainty and prevents us from reaching a definite conclusion.Lu Xun's quote encourages us to break free from this paradoxical loop. It reminds us that while it is necessary to exercise suspicion, it is equally important to seek resolutions. Instead of being caught in an endless cycle of doubt, we should strive to evaluate the available evidence and draw conclusions that align with reason and evidence. Doing so allows us to move forward, make decisions, and take action.In conclusion, Lu Xun's quote serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between suspicion and conclusive thinking. While suspicion can protect us from harm and deception, continually harboring suspicion without resolution can hinder our growth and progress. By introducing the concept of the Liar Paradox, we recognize the self-referentiality inherent in constant suspicion, making Lu Xun's message all the more profound. So let us embrace suspicion when it is necessary, but also strive to reach conclusions so that we can move forward and lead more purposeful lives.

Previous
Previous

Han Fei: 'I believe it is impossible to be sure of anything.'

Next
Next

Moza bint Nasser: 'Sixty-six percent is the literacy rate in the Arab world. We have 58 million illiterate among adults in our part of the world.'