Whatever we do, we do for a reason. There is no dangling action or decision. When we wake up in the morning and decide to drink a cup of tea instead of eating a plate of rice, our decision is made for a reason, and that reason is to satisfy our desire. It is evident that all the decisions we make are influenced by either LOGIC or EMOTIONS.
The Prevalence of Emotional Decision-Making in Sierra Leone
Looking at our nation, Sierra Leone, what kind of beings do we see? Do we have more emotional or logical beings? Sadly, Sierra Leone, a country of a little over 7 million people, is dominated by emotional beings. The number of logical beings in our country is small, if not entirely absent. The vast majority of our politicians are blind, deaf, and dumb. They cannot see for themselves. They are like blind people walking at night under the influence of intoxicants. They rigmarole in zigzag style and trip and fall in pits of doom. This is why all the decisions they make for the nation are fuzzy.
The majority of the decision-makers are not “right-thinking members of our society.” How can a blind man lead your way? We are easily fooled by the sweet sugar-coated words of politicians. It is as a result of this illogical reasoning that our home gave birth to and nurtured sentimental emotions like tribalism, nepotism, regionalism, and “classism,” to name but a few.
Logic and Decision-Making
By logic, we calculate within our minds the positive and negative effects of the action(s) to be taken. Logical beings rely entirely on their reasoning ability. They are independent and self-opinionated. They are objective and pragmatic, strategic in jumping to a decision. They are always led by their mind and not their heart. They think much and say less. How cool and successful is the life of a logical being!
Robin Wood (2002) states that critical thinking is the process of using reasoning to discern what is true and what is false in the phrases and “sound bites” we hear every day. It involves being familiar with logic and logical fallacies—those bits of false reasoning that are used to manipulate and mislead us. Some parts involve being able to separate facts from opinions, and others involve being fair and open-minded, not dismissing anything without examination, and not accepting anything without the same. Asking questions of yourself and others is relevant because that is how we uncover the truth and the motivations behind arguments. Self-regulation is the ongoing process of making sure that you have not fallen into any logical fallacies or rationalizations.
Ideal critical thinkers are open-minded; ready and eager to explore all ideas and all points of view, including those alien or opposed to their own. They are not threatened by opposing views because they are looking for the truth; they know that if they have it already, it will stand any scrutiny. And if they don’t have it, they are willing to drop the falsehoods they had and embrace the new. Critical thinkers question everything; using their tools to ferret out the truth, wherever it may hide. The tools they use are logic, research, and experience. Critical thinking can not only prevent manipulation, but it can also open new vistas for you, as things previously hidden become clear.
Emotions and Decision-Making
On the other hand, emotional beings are led and influenced by emotions. They do not think over the possible consequences of their actions and inactions. They hold no tangible reason(s) for their steps. They believe in jumping on the bandwagon, thinking the truth is on the side of the majority. They cannot afford to be on an island—they would rather jump in the water and move with the rest. They are like a dangling leaf vulnerable to the push and pull of the “gentle” breeze. Overnight, they can make and break a dozen decisions. They have no sense to fathom and distinguish the actual good from the actual bad. They are dependent on the thoughts and ideas of others, a dependency that comes on the basis of sentiment and familiarity. That is to say, they support or accept others only if they know them or are tied to their history.
As emotional beings, they are subjective and one-sided. They are open-eyed not to see all angles of the story. They are tamed to seek not the truth but what pleases them. Therefore, if by accident the truth is what quenches their emotional thirst, fortunately, they fall for it. And if falsehood appeases their emotional cravings, unfortunately, they fall for that too. All they hanker after is that which appeases their emotional thirst. They are self-centered, only seeking their well-being. They are short-sighted, only looking at today and beneath their noses. They are momentous, with no thought or plan for the future.
Their minds are weak, their eyes blind, and their ears deaf. They do not look and listen to see and hear the truth hidden in the lies of opinion leaders—politicians and other influential people in society. Emotional people are comfort seekers; they are weak and cannot stand the gravity of pain and struggle. This is why they are always in their comfort zone like a fish in the water. They are afraid of new environments, opinions, and oppositions.
Embracing Logic for a Better Future
As Sierra Leone approaches another crucial moment in its political journey, it is imperative that we move beyond the emotional impulses that have long driven our decisions. The future of Sierra Leone rests in our collective ability to rise above the narrow confines of emotional decision-making. By embracing logic, critical thinking, and a commitment to national unity, we can transcend the divisions that have long held us back. It is only through a steadfast dedication to truth, reason, and the greater good that we can build a prosperous and inclusive society. Let us be the generation that lifts Sierra Leone out of the shadows of ignorance and into the light of progress, where every decision is made with wisdom, foresight, and a deep love for our nation. Together, we can shape a future where logic triumphs over emotion, and where Sierra Leone stands strong and united on the global stage.
Let’s train our young to be nationalists, not “Party Pikens.” Let’s train them to seek the good of the nation, not just the good of their tribe, region, or political party. Sierra Leone can make it to the top if we all join hands to lift her. Let’s kill our differences and give oxygen to our similarities. She is old and weak, but just like Joseph did, if we join hands, we can transform her into a young and fresh virgin. She is heavy to lift, but not in the hands of the young brilliant brains of society.
By prioritizing reason over emotion, we can break free from the cycles of tribalism, nepotism, and other divisive sentiments, and work together to build a stronger, more united nation. The future of Sierra Leone depends on our collective ability to think critically, act rationally, and make decisions that will propel our country forward.
By Sam Syl
