"The first precept was never to accept a thing as true until I knew it as such without a single doubt"

The idea here is pretty straightforward: Don't just blindly accept something as true. Make sure you really know it's true with zero doubts. Think of it as a call for skepticism and critical thinking. It's about not taking things at face value and verifying facts for yourself.

This notion is traced back to the philosopher René Descartes. He was all about doubt and questioning. In the 17th century, everyone had strong beliefs about science, religion, and philosophy. Descartes wanted to find a way to start from scratch and build knowledge based on absolute certainty. So, he came up with this precept: Don't accept anything as true unless you can be absolutely sure of it.

Let's bring this into a practical example. Imagine you're scrolling through your social media feed and see a post claiming that a particular health supplement can cure all sorts of diseases. It has thousands of likes and shares, so it must be true, right? Hold up. Descartes would tell you to pause and question it. Look for scientific studies, check reliable sources, and even consult health professionals if necessary. Only when you're entirely convinced by solid evidence should you accept it as true. This might save you from wasting money or worse, risking your health.

So, how do you apply this in your life? Start by questioning things more often. When someone presents a fact, ask yourself: "How do I know this is true?" Seek out evidence and don't be afraid to dig deep. It's not about being cynical; it's about being thorough. Whether it's news articles, social media posts, or even things people tell you in conversation—approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Picture this: You're at a family gathering and your uncle starts talking about how a new diet has completely changed his life. He swears by it and says it's the ultimate way to lose weight and feel great. Now, rather than jumping on the bandwagon, you take a step back and think about Descartes' advice. You ask for details. What kind of research backs this up? Are there credible studies that support these claims? You do your own research later, looking at multiple sources. Maybe you even try to find expert opinions or peer-reviewed research. Only after gathering all this information and critically evaluating it do you decide whether to give it a shot.

This approach might seem like extra work but think about the benefits. It helps you make informed decisions, reduces the chance of getting misled, and ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of the world around you. Plus, in this age of information overload, where everyone has a platform to share their views, it's more important than ever to be discerning.

In a nutshell, don't take things at face value. Question, investigate, and be certain. It's like having a built-in BS detector. And who wouldn't want that?