contents - AMORC

N OPEN MIND IMPLIES AN ELEMENT
of doubt which will not necessarily be
in line with those who are sure of their
convictions. Certainty and assurance
belong either to complete knowledge
or to complete ignorance. Those who are sure
through ignorance and who blindly follow an
authoritarian creed, may not be prepared to cast
an open mind because their superiors might
disapprove or because they secretly fear that
their own assurance may be shaken. For the
uncertain ones though, the safest principle is:
Keep an open mind. When in doubt, make the
assumption that seems most plausible and most
fruitful; then proceed as if it were true. As you
go along, observe the consequences of your
assumption and correct it as the need arises.
To make an analogy, let’s say, for example,
that you are following a wilderness trail, trying
to find your way to human habitation. Late in the
afternoon, you arrive at an unmarked fork in the
The Rosicrucian Beacon -- September 2006
by Nathan Squires
road. You study the landmarks and terrain as best
you can; then you choose the most likely fork in
the road and go on without hesitation as if you
were certain of being on the right way to your
destination.
Meanwhile, keep your eyes open. Does
the trail broaden? Do you see recent footprints?
Do you smell the smoke of a distant campfire?
If so, proceed with growing confidence. Does
the trail peter out? Does it lead to a steep ravine,
to an impassable ledge? In such cases, heed the
warning signs; return to the crossroads and try
the other fork.
Ancient Assumptions
This kind of experimental attitude, which is
indispensable to us in situations such as the
analogy above, has brought about the great
advance of western science. This may be illustrated
by the evolution of the science of astronomy.
In the night sky all stars appear to describe
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