Ever since I began majoring in philosophy as an undergrad in college, I have been obsessed with the origin, faculties and significance of the human mind. Where does it come from? What is the best way to use it? And what ought it be used for? These questions incessantly occupy my thoughts.

I view the mind as a self-reflecting entity, something that, when exposed to new information and experiences, reacts and changes in this way or that. The mind weighs heavily on the passive end, and its actions are limited. If we are free agents, not completely necessitated by a concatenation of physical causes, then we have some degree of influence as to how to use our minds. In this article, I will briefly explore what I think the human mind ought to be used for and some of the pitfalls to avoid while using it.

Aristotle once said that, "All men by nature desire to know." He was also quick to distinguish man from his animal counterparts, recognizing in him certain rational powers of the mind. From birth, humans are naturally curious creatures. One can observe this in almost any child, persistently seeking answers to questions about the external world. Over time, many of us lose this innate curiosity. The ignorant masses imbibe social and cultural delusions, taking them for granted and upholding them as instances of undiluted truth.

I think it's important to revert back to our inquisitive days, to relinquish unnecessary dogma, which does nothing but stymy natural curiosity. Nature has allotted man with the extraordinary ability of thought. One moment we might be stuck in trite contemplation of the tediousness of working life, and the next, we may find ourselves extending concern to the most remote recesses of the cosmos. It is in our best interest to use our powers — which distinguishes us from other animals — and not get caught up in unreason and outdated thinking.

We ought to use our reason in the gathering, cultivation and analysis of information available to us through experience, discourse and literature. We live in an age of enlightenment, and with a simple visit to the library or internet search, we can learn new ways of thinking, and come to a greater understanding of just about anything.

But simply harvesting and storing facts isn't worthy of a well-rounded intellect. We must share what we've come to understand with others, especially if it contributes to making the world a better and more self-conscious place. Human development and progress throughout history were made possible by those few cultivated minds who've revealed their discoveries to the rest of mankind. If it weren't for them, we would still be inhabiting a world fit for savages.

It's imperative to question everything, to never remain stagnant in one's thinking. We are born curious creatures. To revel in tradition and dogma is to commit a grave offense against the powers of reason. The only thing distinguishing us from the beasts is our capacity for sublime thought. Never stop learning, never stop thinking. As Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."