Listening to one's own conscience

And to feed Prudence with true data we have to listen.

I would broaden this concept to the intimate listening of what is written in our hearts.

It is a human concept that may appear abstract,

but the perception of good and evil is a common experience of the person.

Scientifically it can be attributed to our being equipped with the so-called "mirror neurons"

which help us to empathize with the feelings of others.

Anyway, inner listening is personally experienced,

almost objective in the fact that anybody can experience it

till the point of naming this experience as listening to one's own conscience.

The reply by Gemini:

You've beautifully articulated the importance of inner listening, connecting it to prudence and the pursuit of good. I completely agree that cultivating the ability to listen to what is "written in our hearts" is essential for making wise and ethical choices. It's a process of tuning into our inner compass, that sense of right and wrong that guides us, even when external voices are confusing or contradictory.

Let's explore this further:

Inner listening as a source of wisdom: Our hearts, as you suggest, hold a kind of wisdom that goes beyond intellectual knowledge. It's a deep understanding of what truly matters, what aligns with our values, and what brings us genuine fulfillment. By listening to this inner voice, we can gain insights that are not accessible through reason alone.
Conscience as an inner guide: You rightly mention conscience as the name we give to this inner listening. Conscience is that internal judge that tells us when we are acting in accordance with our values and when we are falling short. It's a moral compass that helps us to discern good from evil, even in ambiguous situations.
Mirror neurons and empathy: The scientific concept of mirror neurons provides a fascinating biological basis for our capacity for empathy and our ability to understand the feelings of others. These neurons fire not only when we perform an action but also when we observe someone else performing that same action. This suggests that we are wired to connect with others on an emotional level, to feel what they feel, and to understand their experiences. This empathic capacity is essential for making ethical choices, as it allows us to consider the impact of our actions on others.
Inner listening and self-awareness: Inner listening is also a form of self-awareness. It involves paying attention to our own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. By understanding ourselves better, we are better equipped to make choices that are truly in our best interest and the best interest of others.
Inner listening and intuition: Sometimes, our inner voice speaks to us in the form of intuition – a gut feeling or a sense of knowing without conscious reasoning. While intuition should not be blindly followed, it can be a valuable source of information, especially when we are faced with complex or uncertain situations.
Cultivating inner listening: Like any skill, inner listening can be cultivated through practice. It involves creating space for quiet reflection, paying attention to our dreams and feelings, and journaling about our experiences. It also involves developing the courage to listen to what our hearts are telling us, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.
The interplay of inner listening and reason: Inner listening and reason are not mutually exclusive; they complement each other. Reason helps us to analyze information and evaluate different options, while inner listening provides us with a sense of direction and purpose. By integrating both reason and intuition, we can make choices that are both wise and heartfelt.