What can be classified as truth? Is it concrete facts or one’s beliefs? Some people believe that truth is correlated with the facts they are given. Others may believe that their experiences in life and what they have observed, must lead to something being true. Stereotypes that are seen as most common can get translated into being true supported by supposed statistics. For example, in the hispanic culture physical characteristics are often matched with a certain race. So when people ask about those cultures, there’s always an answer like, “Oh yeah Guatemalans are all short with big noses”. Hispanic people will then laugh and agree but it’s not true. There are Guatemalans that do not fit that description, but because the majority may be seen with those same genetic characteristics it is then seen as truth. This is an easy way to believe something that has more to do with genetics than being a fact. I would personally say that I do not have a concrete truth. I am living by what has worked for me so far, but I can change my way of thinking at any point in my life. I am open-minded to all sorts of information, but at the same time I can’t help but question what I am given. I don’t believe we can ever know everything for sure and not wonder about it further. There isn’t a need for me to be absolutely certain of something because then I feel I would personally be less happy. As opposed to being closed off when I encounter an opinion or information that is in contrast to what I think, I take it in and am more happy because it opens more gateways for communication. I know that some facts are well supported and there is no questioning it. But for those that aren’t as well supported, I don’t necessarily believe I need to take it so seriously to the point where that is all the truth there is. In the future more could be discovered or added to it. I understand that for some people having a basis is important in having a bit more structure to their lives and building from there. In the larger scheme of things, the truth can sometimes limit you or free you. We can limit ourselves by choosing to accept the information we are given by scientists, adults, and doctors because they are our “superiors”. In some cases, some are well studied with their degree so automatically one can think “they must know because they’re the experts.” We stop questioning and wondering leading us to stay at a standstill. That is where we begin to limit ourselves and become more storage-like. An example of how the truth can set us free is when it comes to concerns of family heritage or biological parents. That is where one can question the most and wonder the “truth”. One can gain some valid answers that give internal release to all the restlessness within and in that aspect it can set one free. When we ourselves know that we are being honest with those around us, we are living more liberally. This is why truth is necessary because it affects us deeply. It can unconsciously affect the way we live and either give us peace or discontent. It can form a basis for people so that they can go on living their lives from there believing their own truths. Everyone’s truth will always be different but the purpose of it is to help us find our ways through life.
To be a philosopher is not merely to have subtle thoughts, nor even to found a school…it is to solve some of the problems of life, not only theoretically, but practically. – Henry David Thoreau
I really liked the personal stance you took on the topic, and I really wish I could be as open minded as you. When you mentioned how we go into somewhat of a "storage mode", when we just decide to take in info and remain rooted in our truths, I found that very interesting because I think that represents most people in life (including myself). We live in a society where information is valued by the quantity and not by the potential it has to free people and change their mindsets for the better. What I got from your post was that the true value behind information and truth is how we choose to interpret and act on it. That is a very interesting point, and something that I completely did not think about.
ReplyDeleteI like how you wrote about your personal truth, and I agree with Olivia that it was very enlightening. I know personally I am more guarded towards other people's truth until I can find validity in it, and I admire your ability to be open minded. I think it's a very American thing to not be willing to hear other's truth, unless it is in line with your own. However, I think it's very human to want to hear other's stories, like you, and this will definitely stick with me as I try to be more open minded.
ReplyDeleteGood Job! I really love how you connect the truth to our everyday life culture like most people's stereotype to Guatemalans. Stereotypes can be perceived surrounding our lives. And that is the truth! Trying ourselves the best to tell other people the truth is the best way to liberate not only ourselves but also, more importantly, others. The purpose of the existence of truth is to be able to provide us happiness and pacific lives.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting to me because I went to Guatemala this summer, and you are totally right that the stereotypes are not at all true. I think something that helps people find truth is seeing things with their own eyes. Although I try to never judge people based on a stereotype, it is easy to fall into that habit, and I realized that when you actually see the reality, stereotypes are hardly ever facts.
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