Theoretical Thinking and Practical Life
Theoretical Thinking and Practical Life
Theoretical thinking is merely thought, without experience, without a field study of reality and what is in it.. This thinking imagines that things proceed very naturally, without obstacles on the way..! They proceed according to certain laws that this thinker places in his mind.
Exactly like a person who says that the distance at sea between two countries is such-and-such miles. If the ship travels at a certain speed, it will arrive in such-and-such days and hours.
Then the ship descends into practical reality, and it may be struck by waves and winds, so it cannot move. Perhaps it struggles with difficulty or changes its direction.. and arrives after days, or does not arrive!!
Reality is full of hindrances and obstacles, which are known only to one who has experienced practical life in all its details.
The theoretical thinker sits at a desk and writes ideas, merely ideas.. and he may wonder why they were not implemented!! Perhaps he criticizes and blames, and perhaps his criticism reaches the point of accusation..! At least, accusing others of negligence, carelessness, or lack of knowledge!!
And in his theoretical accusations, he knows nothing about the practical obstacles.
As the saying goes, “The pain of the knowledgeable is more bitter than that of the ignorant.”
If this theoretical thinker knew the nature of the circumstances, the practical results, and the obstacles, perhaps he would correct much of his thinking.
A single hindrance may overturn many wise plans.
And the practical person, who has collided with reality and experienced life, understands perfectly that things do not proceed according to his plans and as he wishes.
He is experienced with the ground on which he walks. In every plan, he assumes the obstacles he expects. He does not become upset if some of his plans fail, for this too is included in his calculations.. And every failure he encounters increases his wisdom and experience, and makes his subsequent thinking more realistic.
The theoretical thinker may think that reform is accomplished by issuing a set of orders and decisions.. But the practical thinker asks: What might be the effectiveness of these decisions?
And if he issues a decision, he follows it practically, to see its course: Did it proceed normally, or did it stop? And what stopped it? And what is its remedy? And does the decision need modifications?
My brother, do not be theoretical in your thinking, and do not quickly criticize others. Rather, study reality, and be practical.
[1] An article by His Holiness Pope Shenouda III in El-Keraza magazine, ninth year, issue no. 37, September 15, 1978.For better translation support, please contact the center.
