Facts or interpretations?

A Chinese saying with somewhat of a debatable hint of being a curse is “May you live in interesting times” which opens yet another discussion as to the statement being an opinion or fact. There is no substantive evidence that this saying was an ancient or modern curse but given the times we currently live in, there’s a bit of interest in the statement as it is personally interpreted. In this day and age, it has become the mission of millions to turn over every rock in researching their need to establish the basis for a fact or opinion.

Interesting times, indeed.


We all know that the facts of any matter are verifiable, that truth is determined by researching any evidence and that sets the stage for differing perspectives on a given situation. Facts are the foundation for providing crucial support for the assertion of an argument. But, facts by themselves are completely worthless unless they are put in context where conclusions can be drawn and meaning is established. With that, speaking up on a particular topic can bring criticism while silence incurs vociferous blame with not speaking out.


Then we have opinions which are judgments based on facts, honest attempts to draw reasonable conclusions from factual evidence. Most opinions are potentially changeable, depending on how the evidence is interpreted. Opinions, by themselves, have little power to convince and it’s important to state necessary evidence which contributed to establishing said opinion. A recent post on social media from someone close stated how often they saw posts and heard folks in real life talk about things that are anecdotal or opinion-based as though they were facts. The post went on to state how it was fine to hear of shared experiences along with any discussion involved but for people to treat said observation as Gospel was simply annoying. I hesitated to share additional commentary well, just because; some things, even those funny as hell, are way better left unsaid


Unlike an opinion, there are beliefs which are convictions based on cultural or personal faith, morality or values. These are viewpoints, not based on facts or other evidence, cannot be disproved or contested in a logical or rational manner.


White it’s important to be able to share an opinion, that does not mean it should always be shared. If someone in your immediate circle is more to the “right” and you are more to the “left”, there is a very strong possibility that there will never be any agreement and there are definitely some topics which should never be discussed. It goes without saying how politics can be very touchy and personal so it is best to stop pushing those around you to agree on everything and just accept a difference of opinion. Friends and especially family won’t always agree with us about our beliefs and opinions and it’s important to retain respect for those around us. It’s fine if no agreement can’t be reached because having different perspectives help people to learn and grow stronger.


Finding common ground can be well, beyond difficult, especially where family is concerned. Different generations bring clashing opinions but when any debate begins, think about what you hope to gain from that interaction. A change of mind or insight into the beliefs of others? Staying both open and respectful creates an important platform for understanding. Respect the human element in the other person’s values and understand that, where political beliefs are concerned, there is a shared concern for society with focus on economic or environmental stability. Taking that step back may help recognize that any “opposing” views may not be wildly different from our own and there is room for agreement.


Mostly, know when to make a necessary exit if emotions run a bit hot and avoid trying to get that last word in, something we are all guilty of doing. Don’t deny it. Just leave it there for that inevitable day when the discussion is bound to resurface and possibly healthier perspectives will emerge, resulting in civil exchanges of opinions and facts.

Sure they will, likely when pigs fly.

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Things have changed…

change-your-life

Throwing my opinions out on the proverbial table has been pretty much the norm, for me.  Until now.

Prior to all this, my pandemically-political, thoughts and ideas shared with others gave way to a few laughs or, of course, some healthy debate.  Not so much anymore.  Things have changed.  Drastically.

Well, of course, I do it here, on my personal “turf” and whoever doesn’t approve can simply move on.  Respect my right to believe as I do and to support what I feel is important.  I’ll do the same for everyone else.  It’s a two-way street.  At least it once was.  Now, there’s a “Stop Sign” waiting every time you venture out to express your thoughts on some sensitive subject.  Or event.

The current national turbulence has changed the dynamics of free-thinking and the right to express same.  Either the PC Police wait in the background with their digital handcuffs or you get slammed from people you know, all waving their criticisms in the air like flyswatters at a picnic.

None of this drama will end easily.  Or soon.  A revolution is unfolding, day by day. Sadly, the social media playgrounds where friends and families once gathered have become cold war zones.  I doubt if there will ever be a common ground of respect for how each of us feels on either a topic or current event.  No matter what people believe, or that which they hold close in their hearts, sharing any in a public environment sets the stage for volatile theatrics from all sides.  Everyone wants change that is fundamental, dramatic and often irreversible.  Change is a form of evolution which involves the ability to be trustworthy, transparent and to think systematically.  Mix up evolution with revolution and anarchy takes center stage.

A desire to make a difference, to create a positive life balance for everyone is a manifestation of our evolution and wanting to create change born from a specific awareness.   In an ideal world, this might seem simple but, as long as the wars over opinions and beliefs become more widespread, we all have become our own worst enemies. 

In this year of 2020 and on this very day, I think we can all identify with the words of Deepak Chopra…” All great changes are preceded by chaos”.  Wishful thinking, at best, as our country is wrapped in a cloak of chaotic uncertainty.

 

workshop-button-1From Mama Kat’s Writer’s Workshop…Write a blog post inspired by the word: changed.

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