@ Ken – Very true, that assumptions are not all bad or wrong. As you say, it’s very important to at least understand what assumptions we hold, because it means we are being more conscious. Assumptions are useful, of course, for us to function without needing to figure everything out every time we see it… but as all automatic things, they can’t always fit! Especially after long use…

Assumptions are powerful beliefs.

Like any belief a person holds, an assumption can be deep rooted, like a carrot in the ground, and so can be difficult to shift. With time, an assumption, like the carrot, grows deeper.

Not all assumptions are erroneous, however, and like any belief, an assumption can be based on experience and deduction that may well be valid.

The point when an assumption is put in doubt by its owner is a turning point. While this may not mean change in what’s believed, arriving at that stage indicates a facile property of the mind of the owner.

The real key to using assumptions appropriately is in having routines for testing them – regularly. Your baloney detector kit should always be switched on when making a first assumption and it should be left on as long as possible while that assumption is under scrutiny.

Practicing scientists use this a priori. Failure to heed a signal from it simply permits the assumption to grow deeper. If it is growing in the wrong place, with time it becomes more and more difficult to uproot.

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@ Nuno – I almost brought the whole “assuming makes an ass out of u and me” into the headline of this piece, but I dropped it in the end

@ Matthew – HA! I hate when that happens.

@ Trina – Wow, that’s a lovely and powerful example of shedding assumptions…

@ writersresort – Yep, that phrase is a good one to remember…

@ Alex – That’s a really good point about the line between good optimism and dangerous optimism. I generally have a really positive outlook, so I completely agree that we have to make sure that doesn’t fall into laziness.

@ the funky duckling – Life would be boring if we didn’t just let loose a bit .

@ Bamboo – So true. It’s really easy to assume what you don’t have is better, or flawless, or easier. It’s crazy to see a few small details completely shape an image of someone.

@ Jenx67 – Yea, it’s harder to think of times when they’ve helped…

@ Lisa – That’s exactly my theory too! Serves me well so far .

Loved your face washing example………..:)

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It really doesn’t make sense. You can’t know the life of another based on only a couple facts, so why assume anything?

Assumptions are really silly. And I like your approach with how assumptions can be silly.

Bamboo Forest – PunIntended´s last blog post..Clowns are Downright Creepy

As for assumptions, I assume the best in everything.. Which is often dangerous, rather than optimistic..

Best example is that I assume my skills in various creative passions I have will stick around even if I don’t practice.. dangerous.

Interesting how personal experiences (the bad kind) can shape the way one goes about making assumptions of awfulness. And assumptions of the pettier things. which is either optimisim or numbness — either way, I’m zit free!

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