The Illusion of the Objective Truth

What is truth?

Is there such a thing as an objective, universal truth? These questions have puzzled the philosophers for millennia. When we argue, we often act as if our perspective is the only singular truth, the only valid way of seeing an issue. But is that the case?

Let's consider a simple example - an ordinary ballpoint pen. People may have very vastly different opinions about the same pen.

One might think it a handy writing instrument, allowing them to capture their thoughts on paper quickly. Another person might see the same pen as messy and prone to leaking, staining their belongings with ink.

Their truths seem to contradict each other significantly. So which one is right?

The reality is that people perceive the world through their own experiences, biases and beliefs. The same situation can appear very radically different to two separate observers. If you've had any negative experiences with a particular kind of pen, you'll likely continue negatively seeing pens of that type. Someone else with positive past experiences will have the opposite view.

Rather than arguing endlessly to prove our view as the singular truth,

we must recognize the subjectivity inherent in our perspectives.

Seeking first to understand how others came to see the world as they do allows us to expand our thinking and incorporate more information into our beliefs. Arguing often leads to a lot of defensiveness and also discord.

We can grow in wisdom by opening our minds to accept that there are likely multiple valid ways of interpreting most situations. The next time you feel the urge to angrily defend a position, take a step back and think about it. Is it possible someone could reasonably disagree with you?

Allowing diversity of thought ultimately enriches us far more than claiming to know the absolute truth.