According to one source, “The saying “measure twice, cut once” is a classic adage that has been passed down through the ages and is still relevant today. It is a reminder to take the time to double-check measurements and ensure accuracy before taking any irreversible actions.”
When considering this phrase through the lens of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), I appreciate encouragement for use of rational thinking—cognition which is in accordance with logic and reason. Such thinking is an integral step toward rational living, the goal of REBT.
Because I recognize that each of us is a fallible human being and that we live in an imperfect world, I don’t maintain irrational beliefs about how there should, must, or ought to be perfect knowledge about any given topic or event. Unreasonable demands to the contrary are irrational.
Therefore, when assessing emerging information regarding an apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump, I don’t illogically conclude that my biases are correct and that sources reporting data to the contrary are wrong. After all, confirmation bias is an imperfect and irrational effect.
For instance, when I served as a military policeman when in the Marines and had an opportunity to augment the United States (U.S.) Secret Service when Dick Cheney visited Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, I learned of how effective the security detail’s layered protection was.
So far, I haven’t observed a fraction of that competency regarding the alleged shooter’s position in contrast to Trump on July 13, 2024. Nevertheless, I don’t irrationally jump to conspiracy theoretical conclusions, because I measure twice and cut once in this regard.
This example is but one of many questions I have about the shooting event. Likewise, I have many more concerns about plausible statements and behavior of partisan actors which likely contributed to the event that resulted in the shot heard ‘round the world.
All the same, I measure twice, cut once. This is because in truth, I don’t know enough to form a rationally-supported opinion about the matter.
What I do have is an irrational bias indicating potential culpability of those people who’ve plausibly provided proverbial ammunition that inevitably led to the literal firing of a weapon. All the same, in REBT, blame isn’t something considered as entirely helpful.
Thus, rather than becoming irrationally emotional and joining in on finger-pointing behavior, I measure twice and cut once. This is because I don’t want to commit the foolish error of taking any irreversible actions. As such, I choose rational living over reactionary emotionality.
Understandably, many people who don’t practice REBT aren’t taking similar rational measurements before behaviorally cutting in regard to the 2024 U.S. presidential election season. I say “understandably,” because I can comprehend how fallible people behave.
Still, I don’t advocate political violence. Violence may be necessary under specific circumstances such as lawful self-defense, though I denounce what was characterized in my time in the Marines as “terrorism” that relates to politically-motivated violent action which is ostensibly what occurred yesterday.
Although my blog has exceedingly limited reach, I’m posting this entry nonetheless. Perhaps someone who needs this message will come across it and my words may help serve that person’s interests and goals.
Trying to control or influence a political election by behaving in a violent manner may seem logical to you, though I invite you to consider if such action is reasonable. Arguably, the alleged actions of the shooter yesterday weren’t rational.
In the same way, information about the event is still unfolding and I encourage people to consider what they think they know by measuring twice and cutting once. Interestingly, I sought an artificial intelligence (AI) image for the current post and immediately noticed a glaring flaw.
The tape measure held by the AI individual measures one through 10 and then repeats the numeric sequence. It’s limited and inaccurate information. So, too, is data immediately following an event such as the Trump shooting event.
Therefore, I encourage people to measure twice, cut once before taking action that may not be undone. If you’re experiencing difficulty with beliefs about limited and inaccurate information and would like to know more about how to live rationally nonetheless, I’m here to help.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—helping you to sharpen your critical thinking skills, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Cookie_studio. (n.d.). Cute woman with tape measure renovate house [Image]. Freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/cute-woman-with-tape-measure-renovate-house_9228122.htm#fromView=search&page=3&position=10&uuid=ee88fc31-daa9-4820-9237-6cad18b5916c
Hollings, D. (2024, June 2). Blame. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/blame
Hollings, D. (2022, May 17). Circle of concern. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/circle-of-concern
Hollings, D. (2023, August 28). Confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/confirmation-bias-and-cognitive-dissonance
Hollings, D. (2024, July 6). Conspiracy theories. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/conspiracy-theories
Hollings, D. (2022, October 31). Demandingness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/demandingness
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2024, May 11). Fallible human being. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fallible-human-being
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2024, January 2). Interests and goals. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/interests-and-goals
Hollings, D. (2023, May 18). Irrational beliefs. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/irrational-beliefs
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2023, January 8). Logic and reason. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/logic-and-reason
Hollings, D. (2023, September 3). On feelings. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings
Hollings, D. (2023, April 24). On truth. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-truth
Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2024, May 15). Rational living. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-living
Hollings, D. (2022, October 7). Should, must, and ought. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/should-must-and-ought
Marino, J. and Donlevy, K. (2024, July 13). Thomas Matthew Crooks ID’d as gunman who shot Trump during Pa. rally. New York Post. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2024/07/13/us-news/thomas-matthew-crooks-idd-as-gunman-who-shot-trump-during-pa-rally/
NPR. (2024, July 14). Trump confirms he’ll speak at the RNC after assassination attempt at rally in Pennsylvania. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/live-updates/trump-shooting
RKS Design Inc. (2023, January 9). Measure twice, cut once. Retrieved from https://rksdesign.com/measure-twice-cut-once/
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Dick Cheney. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dick_Cheney
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Donald Trump. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump
Comments