I sat down to re-read a list of quotes all dealing with the truth it occurred to me that the truth can be subjective. One persons truth can be one thing or idea while another person may feel that the truth is the complete opposite. What a fascinating idea! I guess that I am a product of my experiences, interactions and the people I have known so far in my life. Each time I meet a new person and get exposed to something new my truth can change a little bit. It evolves along with me and I become a more authentic person.
The quote by Abraham Lincoln that mentions the truth as so absolute that you must part ways with someone who does not see it seems very extreme to me. I would hope that people would take the time to try to see someone elses perspective or truth and find a way to respect it even if it does not concur with your own personal truth. The world would be an incredibly boring place if we all thought the same way and all shared one common truth.
I have had many truths in my life that have evolved with me. I left school one year prior to graduation because I got an amazing job offer. At the time my truth was that school was not as important to me as getting into my career. I whole heartedly believed that was who I was. After working with the same company for nine years and achieving all the goals I had set for myself I realized that I was doing something that I didn't enjoy. I left that position and found something that would make be a happier person with more balance. I also realized how import school was to me and here I am! Ten years ago I would have fundamentally told you that I was on a true path, I was authentic to who I was. I feel the exact same way now but what that true path or the truth is has evolved and was subjective to who I was at the time.
We must all search for the truth and hope to find an authentic self. Lets just not make judgements on those people who's truth is different than our own. We can all learn about ourselves by learning about others!
I seem to agree with a lot of what you're saying! Truth does seem to be subjective more than it is objective. It is great to hear that you agree that it is important to listen to and attempt to understand the opposite point of view. I sometimes find it hard to listen, especially if I am arguing for something that I am passionate about (which is probably everyone's struggle) or when I think I am right. I suppose if none of us stopped to take the time to actually think about the opposing side, we'd all end up coming to no conclusion at all! It reminds me of the quote "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
ReplyDeleteI commend you strongly for finding yourself. I know that it is an ongoing process for everyone, including myself, so it's good to hear a successful story about finding the "right" path.