Defining whether something is true has become harder and harder these days. What were once immutable facts are now open to interpretation. Depending on who you ask, what is true and very real for one person is equally false and not real at all for another. The greying of societal truths has made it increasingly difficult for all of us to coexist in harmony.
My least favorite subject in school was math. Aside from balancing a budget, I’m still not a fan of using math in my daily life. I often wish that wasn’t the case. Math is one area of study where defined rules dictate the answer. An eloquent equation can be used to determine how you should proceed in almost any situation. There are guardrails in place with less ability to fall outside of what’s been established for hundreds of years.
I only wish everything were this clear and precise.
My favorite subject in school was history, particularly early American history. Understanding how our country came to be and the sacrifices made by our founding fathers has always fascinated me. As I’ve gotten older and expanded my knowledge past school textbooks and professorial lectures, I’ve had some eye opening discoveries. Although these discoveries haven’t always been positive, they’ve uncovered another layer of truth that I wouldn’t have otherwise found without a curious desire to stray from the standard historical narrative.
A few years ago I took a free online class on the origins of “wokeism.” I wanted to understand where the term came from and how it became so ingrained in our society. Rather than providing an opinion on whether being “woke” was right or wrong, the series of lectures gave a historical perspective on the philosophical origins and foundations that led to what we now recognize as DEI and Critical Theory.
The lecture was rooted in truth; however, can I guarantee that everything provided to me was 100% true? Is there even a way to ensure this is the case when we’re discussing complex subjects?
A university professor who happens to be an advocate of the trans movement would most likely have a very different truth than a church pastor who’s a critic of the trans movement. Both are living in the truth as they perceive it to be. Does that mean one of them is wrong and the other is right? More than likely this is dependent on your own views. Your truth either aligns with one or the other or perhaps you disagree altogether, which would place you in another category of truth not yet defined.
You can see how this can go round and round in circles and make your head spin. It also helps us understand why we’re having such a hard time getting along with one another. Couple this with the toxicity of social media and you have a powder keg of societal dysfunction just waiting to explode.
As corny as it may sound, there’s one truth that’s unyielding and non pliable. Love. The Golden Rule is golden for a reason. Treating others how you would want to be treated, regardless of any truth you may or may not agree with, is a beautiful thing. It’s also very easy to do.
Now bring it in and give me a hug. Trust me, I’m a good hugger.
Ask anyone. They’ll tell you it’s true.
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