It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
- Aristotle
There is some speculation on the source of this quote. It is often attributed to Aristotle. More on that later.
The essence of this simple reflection is separation from thought from the mind. We can grasp an idea and identify with it. The thought becomes us.
The concept holds from the simplest of thoughts to our greatest ideas and perceptions. Buddhists would refer to this concept as ‘taming the monkey mind’, that is being an observer of thoughts, not the thinker. The observer can choose whether to investigate or hold a thought as true.
Entertain a thought without accepting it
Entertaining a thought without accepting it also eludes to a state of mind that allows logical interpretation of an idea separate from your ego or attachment (or disagreement) to the idea.
The quote emphasises an ‘Educated Mind’, and an aspiration to an educated mind rather than a conditioned mind. A conditioned mind has established beliefs and perspectives from habitual conditioning. A conditioned mind is narrowed and filtered, not necessarily accepting of new ideas or new perspectives.
An individual educated mind would likely be referred to as emotionally intelligent in modern thinking.
It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
<- Aristotle
The quote is largely and wrongly attributed to Aristotle. The following Reddit Thread provides some insight into the source of the quote.
Regardless of its source or legitimacy, the quote is a powerful and insightful reflection into our limitations .
Entertain some thoughts today without accepting them. Question, where the thought comes from, is it true or is it a perception, bias or rejection of a thought or idea that apposes your conditioning.