We find ourselves unable to recognise the truth of a situation and respond wisely to it. Some settle for multiple perspectives or cannot make up their rather than inquire into a major issue and engage with others for change. We hear with alarming frequency different views. People say there are:
- “Different perspectives,”
- “Everybody has their own truth.”
- “Everything is so uncertain”
- “How can we know that we are right, and they are wrong?”
- “I am not sure what is going on,”
- “There are numerous ways of interpretation”
- “This is how we think about a situation right now”
- “We can never know the real truth”
- “We must recognise the views of both sides.”
- “We only know a little of what is going on.”
- Time will tell.
Generalisations weaken resolve. Creation of doubt serves as a powerful way to weaken and dissolve wise political action. Doubts infect the perception of harsh realities rendering impotency. Far too many scientists, politicians, economists and experts perpetuate doubt. There is an obsessive tendency to undermine meaningful and compassionate change. The government takes steps to minimise non-violent street demonstrations to marginalise support for truth through compassionate action.
The equalisation of opinion means that any opinion is as good as any other opinion. This view nullifies actions to end suffering.
These viewpoints give the impression of an equality of value to every opinion. Such language forms as a function of escapism. Deep down, a person expresses an ideology of despair, a nihilistic attitude which discourages social change.
The above views with the bullet points sound reasonable but we fail to recognise that these views paralyse fresh initiatives. Such opinions perform a spell over consciousness gradually eating into our resolve to change the harmful behaviour of our rulers and those who support them.
Thoughtful scientists, respected academics and investigative journalists find themselves dismissed by those who promote misinformation and simplistic narratives.
If we settle for a world of multiple personal truths, we see no reason to take steps to resolve suffering.
There is little point in saying: “I do not believe anything I read in the media. I do not believe any of the politicians. I do not believe a word that the CEOs of big corporations tells us. They are all in it for themselves.” You might be right. The media, politicians and CEOs don’t care about your personal opinions, as long as you don’t cooperate with others for real change.
Such singularity of views will not make a scrap of difference to suffering in society and worldwide. Millions hold such views. These generalised and simplistic personal views support fake news, lies and ongoing manipulation of the public mind. Through non-engagement and alienation, the disconnected support the status quo – namely the dogmatic, the deluded and the aggressive in political discourse. Political parties tend to prioritise self-interest more than anything else. Narcissism seems to pervade the political/corporate mindset at the expense of public interest.
We need to reflect and meditate on wise alternatives to their agenda. Explore the importance of thoughtful non-party politics and caring business practices. Develop your capacity to know conducive action and develop it with others. There are important grass roots organisations developing initiatives for deep change in our corrupt democracy and major institutions in Westminster and the City of London.
For a start, you could challenge the fictional world dominating party politics AND find ways to protest alongside others.