Dooley Noted: 7/27/14
This week, a very interesting conversational thread started on a group to which I proudly belong.
The discussion was focused around a cynic of a type of technique I utilize in my rehab practice.
What I found fascinating was the only first-hand experience with both parties of cynicism and support for the technique. The gentleman with this experience noticed that when he started a discussion with the cynic, the cynic refused to hear his side.
This was fascinating to me.
I am honored and privileged to work with seasoned professors at multiple institutions. I’ve observed that the most effective, brilliant teachers are always the ones questioning and looking up answers.
They are also all-ears when people present an idea.
One of my mentors is an anthropologist. In her fourth decade of teaching professional students, she still asks so many questions. She is always interested in what I think, because I bring a different perspective.
That’s the difference between a true intellectual and a cynic. A true intellectual seeks more knowledge, while cynics get buried under the dogma they promote.
A true intellectual keeps the mind constantly open to new ideas. The cynic shouts, “evidence base needed,” as they do little to nothing to perpetuate the research.
Research is designed to test a hypothesis. It certainly doesn’t “prove” anything.
One cannot negate what gets results. If anything, just ask for a method to be tested following the standards of the scientific method (if you can, in fact, understand them).
It doesn’t mean you have to abandon effective methods that work for you until you have evidence to support that it works for others.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley