I have been coaching and judging high school debate on a volunteer basis for over 30 years. I try impress on students the importance of solid argumentation. And that means not being trapped by common fallacies.  Hasty generalizations are one example of a common fallacy. A hasty generalization is a claim based on a few examples rather than substantial proof.  When someone says something to me that is hurtful, I am notorious about drawing hasty generalizations.

I had that experience today. I was on the receiving end of a caustic and unnecessary comment.  It was a hurtful observation. I felt devalued. In record time, I found myself drawing hasty generalizations! 

I concluded that I hear such comments all the time. It’s a daily occurrence. People are just mean. I am not valued. My work is not appreciated. And the list goes on…

I drew a hasty generalization. One remark…. I heard one remark. Fallacy driven thinking quickly ensued.  Working myself into a first-rate funk soon followed.  Thankfully, there is a solution.

Substantial proof based on sufficient evidence is the answer. I found such evidence by conducting a quick inventory.  I looked back over every conversation I had in the past 24 hours. What was the content of such interchanges? What was said?

It did not take long to reach a guilty verdict. I was guilty of drawing a hasty generalization.  The dialogues I experienced over the past 24 hours were positive, uplifting, mutually encouraging, and beneficial.

I learned my lesson. Hurt feelings lead to hasty generalizations. And hasty generalizations in turn lead to full blown funks. And funks lead to lingering bad attitudes.  This evening, I am choosing to give thanks for those who care. I am dwelling on those who are encouragers. And I hope to emulate them well in the coming days!