The hand is like the mind. When open, it receives, when closed it fights; extended it welcomes, withdrawn it refuses. The hand can grasp a tool to build the world, or clench a weapon to destroy another's. Open or closed, extended or withdrawn, building or destroying.
Though the hand is visible, and the mind invisible, both can be experienced, the hand through our senses; the mind through our attention to its operations.
Insight matters. It is the basis of everything we do. Though common place, it is generally overlooked or discounted. Though invisible - no-one has ever seen one - insights are our creativity. They shape all we do, for good or ill.
Insights can infect the mind with joy, and bring freshness and uniqueness. They provide the poet with facility, the mathematician with dexterity, and the scientist with originality.
Insight identifies opportunities, solves puzzles, illuminates dark places, releases tension. Through insight we communicate, learn and grow.
Insight underpins clear ideas. It brings things together that were previously separated, disconnected or opposed.
Insight comes often unexpected and not at our bidding. But it is likely to come if we are asking questions, and seeking to understand. Many come rushing in, for example, during brainstorming. But, many have to be shown the door, after testing. However, when insight stands up to testing and scrutiny, confidence follows.
No one can give another an insight, for they come from one's own inquiry. They can be communicated, but not necessarily transferred intact. For, one can ignore the data which the insight gathers and makes sense of, or brush aside the question that may lead to one or even block any chance of it arising in the first place.
Insight has power and fertility. "Love at first insight", as my philosopher friend, Tom Daly, would say.
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