Exploration of Religions, Academic Background, and Early Contemplation of Thoughts

The speaker explored various religions by reading introductory books on Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, acknowledging the value in learning as a beginner. This exploration resonated with their long-standing habit of journaling, challenging their thoughts, and seeking conflicting evidence since their teenage years. Despite now being 54, the speaker reflects on their early contemplation of thoughts that started around the age of 18, coinciding with a phase common among young men to delve into Eastern religions. The conversation also touches on the speaker's academic background in applied psychology and their journey to understanding and challenging thoughts from a young age, with the other person revealing they began this practice at 19 years old.