Feelings are inevitable. We have feelings about everything. Feelings are associated with mood, action, biases, thoughts, and opinions. But are our feelings a reflection of truth?
Unfortunately, our feelings are often not a reflection of objective truth. I have experienced intense feelings and visceral reactions to situations. I’ve also had feelings that have caused me to act disproportionate to the situation and unreasonably at times. The ego and wanting my truth to be the definitive answer have sometimes clouded my emotions, judgment, and actions.
Why does the truth matter? Why can’t my truth take precedence over the truth? Is there even an objective truth?
Looking around today in modern society, we may be hard-pressed to discern the truth of matters. That is because these days, we are witnessing a deconstructing of the narrative to control the facts and truth. In daily news, uncovering what is real versus false isn't easy.
“In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” - George Orwell.
What’s the definition of truth? If I search google, truth is defined as,
“the quality or state of being true”
“that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality”
“a fact or belief that is accepted as true”
This doesn't mean something is only valid because it is agreed upon. However, universal truths exist, such as “the sky is blue” and “the sun rises and sets.” Many people recognize the truth and validity of statements based on one’s feelings and interpretations. Seemingly facts are rendered insignificant if they do not support people’s feelings. At least, that is how the truth has come to be determined these days.
The reason behind seeking the truth is to understand facts and reality more clearly. Truth is typically considered objective; however, some philosophers would suggest it is debatable. By stating that truth is objective, we mean it is independent of personal beliefs and perceptions and can be confirmed through facts, evidence, and reasoning.
There is a belief that we must live “our truth” or encourage people to believe wholly in “your truth.” Your truth refers to personal beliefs, perceptions, or experiences. They should not be diminished but exist as part of the person’s subjective experience. They are real in the sense they are true to a person’s experience and story because they significantly impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
It is important to remember that just because something is true to you doesn’t mean it is objectively true. A person’s beliefs or perceptions may be based on incomplete information, biased perspectives, or emotional reactions which can lead to misunderstandings or inaccuracies.
“The strength of a person's spirit would then be measured by how much 'truth' he could tolerate, or more precisely, to what extent he needs to have it diluted, disguised, sweetened, muted, falsified.” - Fredrich Nietzsche.
In my last newsletter, I wrote about critical thinking, concurrent with seeking the truth. To seek the truth, we must remain open to alternative facts and viewpoints and engage in critical thinking and self-reflection while seeking evidence to support our beliefs.
Although people disagree on many things and have diverging opinions and viewpoints, that doesn’t mean objective truth doesn’t exist. Instead, we are not doing the necessary research, reading, and analyzing to find the truth and come to agreeance. Today people are blind to truth and reality. Many people accept the facts presented to them at face value. Why is this?
Cognitive dissonance was a term I learned in a political science course I took in college. My professor used the term cognitive dissonance to talk about racial and ethnic politics. I wish I had recalled the specific example he used. However, cognitive dissonance is when people are confronted with evidence that conflicts with their beliefs. They may experience cognitive dissonance, a psychological state of discomfort that arises when presented with contradictory statements to their beliefs. To reduce their discomfort, people ignore, discount, or rationalize away the evidence rather than adjust their beliefs to fit the evidence.
Ignorance is bliss. After all, we have trouble letting go of beliefs because our ego cannot admit we are wrong. We have held onto such a belief that, to our core, we argue with conviction our perceived truth. It has become essential to reevaluate our beliefs and perspectives and examine our thoughts. We may ask ourselves:
Where did I hear this?
Why do I believe this?
What are the supporting facts and evidence to formulate my beliefs and opinions?
“In the long run, the most unpleasant truth is a safer companion than a pleasant falsehood.” - Theodore Roosevelt.
Searching for the truth has become increasingly important to me. I want to have well-rounded knowledge and analyze the facts to uncover the truth. I want to pursue the truth to know what I am up against. For the past year, I have sought truth in the news and politics. I used to find comfort in ignoring world news and events. I didn’t want to know the truth because I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable, sad, or angry. I tried to disregard questioning the truth to pursue “my truth”. But pursuing my truth carefreely only led me to ignorance.
The ambition of pursuing truth requires courage, confidence, and conviction. Not many people are pursuing the truth, and we have lost the meaning of truth. People have adopted ideologies and beliefs associated with group identities to express who they are as a subjective truth. In contrast, the pursuit of truth is looking through a critical lens through which to adopt beliefs and to find evidence rather than believe what everyone else is saying around you.
The pursuit of truth is necessary in a world where virtue signaling and political correctness is more admirable than objectively observing and analyzing the facts to come to a logical conclusion. The truth isn’t always obvious; most of the time, it is elusive, but with intention, skill, and persistence, we can uncover it.
God's will is to "have all men saved and come unto the knowledge of the truth." Study (to learn truth) is at least one way that God builds people. He knows that men are doubleminded, and that a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. He cannot just open up the skull and pour truth in. Finding new truth is like finding a pearl. The more you learn, the more you want to learn.
So true. Truth is wisdom, we train to unlock. Nothing is easy to receive as we are special beings. Humans live to unlock their truth. We learn and study. Life will teach and we must pursue wisdom as a treasure indeed. We'll said Jeff!