Insight may come slowly, or over time, but sound insights are characterized by an apprehension of the external world in a realistic fashion. Although Lonergan emphasizes the internal nature of insight, he also cautions against judgments that are not based upon enough data or are too hasty. The individual must be willing to accurately take in information from the outside world, or at least concede when he or she does not have enough information to make a decision. However, it...
A rabbit that does not instinctively run when he hears a hunter's shotgun, for example, will lose his life. Knowing when a split-second reaction is required and more reasoned thought is demanded is itself part of good judgment, and the ability to discern this is something that often eludes me: I procrastinate when I should trust my instincts, and make hasty decisions based on first impressions.
