On Instinct, Rationality and Rationalizing

This short post (by my standards!) reflects on the fine art of instinct, applauds Malcolm Gladwell, and generally goes on without much purpose in its short existence.
By now, I've learned to accept that my general thought process can be alarmingly disturbing.

Actually, this is just a liftoff of something that was supposed to be a comment before it broke all laws to resemble something quite against the disposition of its brethren.

Here goes. My two pence, in the form of two points:-

1. Instinct: 'Blink' may help you in understanding what exactly is the much touted 'instinct' all about. As Malcolm Gladwell explains in his famous work, there is a 'structure for spontaneity'. Instinct isn't random. Careful practice/observation and learning over a lot of time helps your mind develop complex structures so that your heart takes a spontaneous decision in a split second, based on, as people say, 'pure instinct'.

Example: How do many people (and probably you, as well) learn to identify correct or otherwise usage of the Queen's language instantly without ever putting much conscious thought and analysis into the process?

How does a basketball expert know exactly at what angle and with what force to throw the ball at the hoop to score a 3-pointer?

Ans: Instinct! The 'heart' at play. But, the structure for the instinct was developed through numerous years of rigorous training & discipline.
Hence, it is usually, a simultaneous interplay of both the powerful forces of heart & mind that gets stuff working, the way it is supposed to work.

2. Rationality: Somebody said that the rational thought differentiated medieval and modern times.
One may outrageously extrapolate this line of thought to state that our evolution from the days our ancestors jumped about on trees, and found utter peace and seemingly unintelligent contentment in a banana tree, to today's age of utter insanity, owes credit to the rational man (Yeah, even women, for the sake of womanity/humanity!, I don't want to be lynched by pretty women, when there are so many better possible options with them out there!)

However, also note, that wisdom over the ages clearly establish that women (& the Godfosaken men for God's sake!) over the ages haven't exactly been rational creatures. Instead, they have been rationalizing creatures! We tend to develop rationals for anything and everything that suits our point of view. Eventually, as I heard someone say today, "Even subjectivity can be defined subjectively."

Ad infinitum!