One of the critical roles our Rider performs is to think – which, although not exclusively, is mostly about processing, problem-solving and decision-making.  The quality of our Rider’s thinking – i.e., that measure of its effectiveness, accuracy, truthfulness, and value – is affected by many factors…including intelligence (innate capability), cognitive skill sets, one’s mood and emotional state, ambient conditions, time of day (w.r.t. mental energy available), life experience, and…bias.

 

Bias is that influence our beliefs and preconceived notions (i.e., our [prior] conditioning) have on our thinking.  What is particularly relevant to know is that bias 1) is usually a hidden factor in our thinking (i.e., the Rider is generally unaware of its “influencing” effect); 2) while it can be positive, is potentially quite harmful; and 3) is something we all engage in “being” and “doing” (i.e., we are all, to some lesser or greater extent, biased!).

 

That our Rider is, for the most part, unaware of such biasing influence should/could/would be cause for concern but of course isn’t because, well, we “don’t see it” so why worry.  But…that doesn’t mean we can’t do something about it to mitigate such potentially harmful effect.  In fact, that “doing something about it” can and does yield significant benefit (not the least of which is less unnecessary suffering – ours and others – in the world).

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One approach to understanding how bias affects our thinking is to look at some of the types of bias.  Just being informed about that which you are normally unaware can be beneficial in mitigating the potential harm of bias; for you are more likely to recognize or consider such possibility and its adverse effect.

see just what that influence might be.  Once one comprehends what bias in its various manifestations does, it is hardly surprising that what you can do is related to cognitive (i.e., thinking) skills:

[list]

 

and intellectual traits: