A mind that is devoid of information or experience in thinking and making wise decisions is a mind that is readily influenced. If we do not think for ourselves—then surely someone else will try to think for us. The historical record of despots and their mastery of mob psychology make this truly frightening.

Parents, society and experience all play a role in filling our minds when we are little. Once we are mature, though, we are able to make corrections and additions to our knowledge and to grow in wisdom. Thinking is hard work. It is worth the efforts we make, though, for a mind filled with good and pleasant things is a contented mind. Seek things that are pure, noble, lovely and praiseworthy—and think about them. (Paul should be credited with that thought—Philippians 4:8.)