And If You Can’t Find One, Then Become One

 “More and more it’s about the outcome and not the quality of the arguments that get us there.”

The quote pertained to a discussion on the current state of the appellate process in the United States.  We didn’t start there, but that’s where it went.  I call it a meandering conversation, but the stream-of-consciousness is often my preferred method for discovering the Universe through the eyes of others.  This particular stream was interesting.

After a bit more ranting, I received an apology for his having taken the conversation into the world of his problems, as he put it.  I told him that what he said resonated with me, particularly since it lent itself to application across an almost universal set of topics.  I thought about work.  I thought about politics.  I thought about human societies.  Again and again, I can think of instances where it’s the outcome, not the quality of the foundation of the process, that has become the most important.

The logic behind a decision, the intent behind an action, and the underlying reasons for a behavior are all examples of instances in which the quality of the process is as important as the outcome itself.  Yet, there is a tendency to positively reinforce the outcome, not the process.  In school, they used to tell us to “show our work” because demonstrating that you understood the mathematical processes behind the number at the end was more important than just the answer.  But as we got older, something shifted.  I don’t know if it’s something that comes with age or if there is something shifting in our society, but it bothers me how often I see things like the person who speaks the loudest getting the recognition versus the person who comes to a sound decision based on a solid logical thought process.  It hints at a society where flashes, shiny things are valued most.  That’s not a good path to follow.

Yet, I also have a great deal of faith in humanity.  I meet enough interesting, thoughtful people that I don’t shake my head in disbelief.  They are out there.  I think the most important thing I can do is engage them, encourage them, and support them.  They come from different walks of life and operate in different arenas.  They are demographically diverse.  They are out there, they are working, and they can help keep us on a collectively positive path.  Just find them.  

And if you can’t find one, then become one.