I wanted to share my thoughts on something I am noticing more of
lately. Over the years, I have made the case that in our lives that truth is
truth and fundamentally there are not two or more truths to anything. Just
like like an equation in algebra; although there may be multiple ways to get to
an answer, in the end, the final answer can only be one thing and is usually
simplified to its most basic form - a form that is for that equation the only
truth that can be. Of course, we all have our individual perceptions and
opinions about a thing, but that does not change the fundamental truth of a
thing's origin or the provable fact of its simplified state of being.
Black is black, white is white, good is good and evil is evil. Each
of these things can be proven as truth in the context of their implied or
intended state of being or application. We can each feel a certain way
about a thing, and a thing can elicit emotions in each of us. Important
as they may be in our daily lives, neither feelings or emotions determine
truth, effect fact, or change evidence.
For instance, one might argue that because the sound coming from a
passing train is different for one listener (based on their position relative
to the train as it passes) than it is for a second listener (based on his
position as the train passes) that there are two answers; two different sounds
heard. Of course that argument would be invalid because only one equation would
be used to explain the sound the first listener heard, and the same equation
would be applied to the sound the second listener heard. Both answers would
then be the same - the listeners heard the same sound, in the same way, just
not at the same time. Had the listeners stood together, the sound heard
by both would be the same. The certain fact that sound move slower than
light explains why both listeners heard a different sound. The one truth is
that the equation to determine how the sound of a train is transmitted at
sea-level on earth to a listener in relation to the passing train the listener
sees is immutable; it will always remain the same equation or function.
Math proves fact is truth. Philosophy also backs up facts and
proves beliefs; ideas and observations are 'a posteriori' truth. Whereas
those who would attempt to confuse and manipulate others, do so by trying
to enforce their positions 'a priori'. That is, they attempt to do so
without empirical knowledge or data. Instead they are emotionally
driven and strive to control others through the same by manipulation.
Science proves fact is truth. Truth is truth and whatever the
subject of conversation, truth is not relative to an individual or group.
It is the same for all. Truth is not 'a priori', but rather and
always 'a posteriori'. If I cut myself, do I not bleed? Is my blood
not red like yours?
Shakespeare was a master of truth. In his day those who spoke
truth were executed. Luckily Shakespeare was also a master of subterfuge,
and he used it in order to communicate the truth without upsetting the status
quo of his time, those who as in our own time relished in their ignorance and
power over the ignorance of others. Everything is not relative, especially
when taken as a whole and applied to the many, or the majority. No matter
how much an individual wants something to be, or wants others to believe a
thing, that thing is not necessarily the truth. Fox News is a perfect
example and contrast to what Shakespeare was doing. As much as Fox News
wants people to believe certain things, and they do their best to twist things
to fit a specific agenda, the things they broadcast rarely turn out to be
factual or true in entirety (or at all) as presented. In many, dare I say
most cases, most of what Fox News presents is patently false and intentionally
misleading. They simply produce a picture of how they want others to
perceive them. Their goal is to keep others living in a fictional bubble.
Which brings me the long way around to my point. I have been
noticing a language and philosophy recently in media, news and general dialog
that is beginning to change toward the very notion that, in the end, at the end
of the day, no matter how much you want the sun to remain in the sky….it won't
….because that's just not how things are. From the studios in Hollywood
to the beltway of Washington, over the past couple of years I am hearing more
and more impassioned cries for rational thinking, attention to the facts and an
insistence on changing course where the status quo has led mankind astray.
For example, Secretary of State Clinton, in her outgoing remarks the
other day, made the statement that the republican party just refuses to live in
an evidence based world. These types of statements, no matter who or what
the subject, seem to be a reflection of our changing lexicon and possibly
testimony to the next step we take as a species out of the darkness and into
the light. I am hearing them spoken and infused in conversation from late
night TV shows to the very news media itself. In fact, Fox News as of
last week has had its lowest viewership in 10 years, which is testament to the
point I am making. Either people have seen Fox News for the poison that
it is and are leaving in exodus….or a lot of it's viewership has passed away.
That was poke at the fact that most of Fox's viewers are 50+ years old,
living in the past and entrenched in outdated and false ideas about the world.
In any case, it may be that we are waking up en mass to a clearer sense
of reality. It may be that those without vision and without the best
interests of mankind have led us for much too long. The powerful and the
rich are not driven by truth. They are driven by greed and a desire to
maintain control. These past 10 years have challenged that control, their
power and their systems of manipulation and propaganda across the planet.
Global weather pattern changes that are causing unprecedented
catastrophe, rampant pedophilia and murder of innocent children around the
world, manipulation of world economies and markets, poverty, starvation and War
that has crept across the Earth for more than 100 years without rest.
Only over this past century has Planet Earth endured so much at once at
the hands of man. It seems that the tide may be changing.
So it gives me encouragement, and a renewed hope to hear the
language in our collective conversation change. I am encouraged to hear
the intent behind the words change where they matter most. We cannot go
on living as a people in the dark, clinging to ancient, irrational and obsolete
beliefs that prevent us from moving on, and forward. Glints of hope are
emerging across the world more and more that indicates that many others agree
and also see the truth. The next giant leap for mankind may not be our
embarkation to the stars, but rather our ability to move the majority forward.
Some will be left behind; those who choose to cling to the old ways, to
hatred, racism, greed and paranoia. But the needs of the many have and
always will far out way the needs of the few. Who knows, maybe this could
lead to a new age of enlightenment for mankind unseen in previous history.
No matter where it takes us, if this trend continues, wherever we go will
be wonderful. May the Force Be With Us.
One of the benefits afforded students attending Chattanooga State is the opportunity to participate in enriching experiences such as physicist and futurist Dr. Michio Kaku’s recent visit to Chattanooga State’s main campus. The chilly January day was full of anticipation and excitement with activities that included a private student and faculty session held in the Humanities auditorium that I was most eager to attend. During the session, Dr. Kaku graciously took questions from students who braved the microphone, of which I was one. The nervousness I felt standing in line while listening to him answer the questions of those ahead of me turned to butterflies as I approached the microphone to speak. Fortunately, a fellow student recorded Dr. Kaku’s response on my iPhone, since I was so overwhelmed that I didn’t hear a word of his answer to me! Needless to say, I’ve since watched the recording 50 times or more. After his book signing later in the day, Dr. Kaku held his main lecture in the Gymnasium where he discussed current research focused on the brain, the subject of his new book; The Future of the Mind. As a right and proper geek, I found his predictions concerning future technologies merging with the brain system particularly fascinating. Meeting, speaking to, and listening to one of the greatest minds in history was an experience that I truly appreciate and a memory I will cherish forever.