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Wanted to share this on here (after I searched for it and came up with no hits on this forum anywhere): the fifth agreement by the ruiz boys (father & son).

The fifth agreement is summarized into "be skeptical, but learn to listen", following the summaries of the first four agreements:
1. BE IMPECCABLE WITH YOUR WORD
2. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY
3. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS
4. ALWAYS DO YOUR BEST

For more information on the fifth agreement:
- Audio/Visual learners: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrKfUm7bcMw
- Text/Reading learners: http://www.thefifthagreement.com/

I would have to read the book, obviously, but I'm not sure I understand how "be skeptical" aligns or reconciles with "make no assumptions." I would think that being skeptical is founded on the assumption that things are not what they appear to be. Off the cuff, it's not making logical sense to me - perhaps that's the point -- to get me to buy the book! (Maybe the YouTube video, which I can't view at work, would do a better job of explaining how the skepticism thing works in this whole mess.)

My understanding of the 5th agreement is that is is very much in line with not assuming. And I really like the 'learn to listen' part. I take it to mean to think for one's self.

It's more about critically thinking and truly listening to others rather than assuming what others tell us (and what we tell ourselves) is indisputably 'fact' or 'true' and not influenced by our own life experiences, agendas, filters, emotions, etc..

This site explains it better than I can.

I can see what you are saying about skepticism 'assuming' that things are not what they appear to be.....but the other side of that coin, as I see it, is 'assuming' that they are what they appear to be. In order to really not assume, one must question both sides wouldn't they? And we can't forget that last bit-- but learn to listen. By really listening, we can critically (skeptically?) decide if what another is saying is 'true' for us.

"don't believe me, don't believe yourself, and don't believe anyone else"-- Ruiz

Thank you for posting this, Snowshine. I somehow missed it before.

Now, I haven't read up on it, but I take it as skeptical meaning not assuming something is true, rather than skeptical meaning assuming something is not true. Which is in line with not making assumptions. And is a good attitude to have, I think. Especially paired with "but learn to listen".