"Generalizing" is distorted thinking that undermines communication.

Date:   12/3/2015 1:28:53 PM ( 9 y ago)

Although I've made reference to the: "15 Styles of Distorted Thinking" a couple times here at "Son of Truth ..." I had yet to give this subject a central emphasis. I'm inspired to do that now with reference to two of the 15 points - #3 & #13.[1]

#3-Overgeneralization: You come to a general conclusion based on a single incident or piece of evidence.

#13-Global Labeling: You generalize one or two qualities (in yourself or others) into a negative global judgment.

I wish to add a possible 16th point: "Generalizing" - is distorted thinking that undermines communication. One of the indicators of a complete interpersonal communication between two people is that it will raise our sense of shared reality. Generalizing doesn't give an actual reality of an individual that can be shared with another individual. Generalizing is often an attempt at justifying a rigid kind of thinking (as may be expressed under points #3 and or #13 above).[2]

Generalizing is a kind of assumption that becomes downright dangerous if you apply it to written Law. By generally assuming that certain ordinances, statutes, regulations, Acts of Congress or even Constitutional provisions apply to you when they don't can get you into a relationship with the government that can cost you time and treasure.

"All Government needs is your consent! In fact, they must have your consent to exercise any authority over you! And silence, among other things, is consent! The word Authority is defined in Black's Law Dictionary, 5th Edition, page 121,[3] as: 'Permission.' Yes, 'Permission. (Period)'. Other commentary on the definition follows, but it's clear that permission is the essence of authority. You didn't know that you had that power, did you? You thought that if someone had a costume, a badge, a black dress, or such, they automatically had authority and that you must accept that authority without question. A good question for someone claiming authority might be: Are you prepared to be liable for your acts? Until you can easily and automatically respond with a simple question like that, you aren't free. So, practice now, and you'll be prepared to be surprised when your authority is recognized! ;-)"[4]

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Some of my related Blog posts:

"Knowing Your Human Design Plus Dyads Supports Truth of Self!":
http://www.curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2081000

"Communication - Conscious, Genuine and Complete":
http://www.curezone.org/blogs/fm.asp?i=2009758

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Notes:

[1]
http://access.ewu.edu/caps/selfhelp/stressmanage/distortthink

[2] Also see: http://work911.com/communication/conflictgeneralizations.htm

[3] https://nieuwsvaneuropa.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/blacks-law-5th-complete_030812.pdf

[4] An anonymous free inhabitant and former radio show host.

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Keywords:

15 Styles of Distorted Thinking, Son of Truth, Overgeneralization, Global Labeling, Generalizing, communication, shared reality

 

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