MKE Week 11 – Inductive Reasoning

I love logic, mysteries, and puzzles – yes even the elusive and frustrating Rubik’s Cube.  So what does Inductive Reasoning have to do with anything?  And what is Inductive Reasoning?

Well, Haanel explains it in Part 11 of the Master Key System:

Inductive reasoning is the process of the objective mind by which we compare a number of separate instances with one another until we see the common factor that gives rise to them all.

Induction proceeds by a comparison of facts; it is this method of studying nature which has resulted in the discovery of a reign of law which has marked an epoch in human progress.

It is the dividing line between superstition and intelligence; it has eliminated the elements of uncertainty and caprice from men’s lives and substituted law, reason, and certitude. Charles Haanel, Master Key System 11:1-3

That is quite a bold statement, isn’t it?  But Haanel seems to make a lot of bold statements in the Master Key System.

What about deductive reasoning, what is the difference?  I looked that up on google:

The main difference between inductive and deductive reasoning is that inductive reasoning begins with an observation, supports it with patterns, and then arrives at a hypothesis or theory; deductive reasoning begins with a theory, supports it with observation, and deduces an observation.  Google definition

Neither methods are 100% foolproof, yet both have their place.

Haanel says that induction, or inductive reasoning, is an aid in concentrating and strengthening our mental faculties – a purpose which in itself is useful.  After all, the power of thought is the foundation of the whole Master Key System.

the sit

One of my favourite parts of the Master Key Experience is the “Sit.”  Before the Master Key Experience, I had never been one to meditate, yet I find those 15 minutes that I spend every morning in quiet contemplation to be the most valuable of my day.  Sometimes inspiration comes to me, often it doesn’t.  But I usually experience a sense of peace, and sometimes a sense of power.

Here’s what Haanel says about the sit:

From this process of self contemplation comes inspiration which is creative intelligence, and which is undeniably superior to every element, force, or law of nature, because it can understand, modify, govern and apply them to its own ends and purposes and therefore possess them.

Wisdom begins with the dawn of reason, and reason is but an understanding of the knowledge and principles whereby we may know the true meaning of things.  Wisdom, then, is illuminated reason, and this wisdom leads to humility, for humility is a large part of Wisdom.  Charles Haanel, Master Key System 11:32-33

I had an interesting experience in my ‘sit’ this week.  I was imagining my future self having coffee with a friend and we were talking about my book.  She asked, “What are the causes of your success?”  I answered, “Gratitude, persistence, and faith.”

Faith, as in:

What things so ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe ye receive them, and ye shall have them.  The Bible, Mark 11:24

Well, that was unexpected.  It just popped into my head during my sit.  Yet, that may just be inductive reasoning in action.