01 Feb An Emerging Perspective of Human Truth
Truth has been a topic of discussion for thousands of years and there are many different questions about the nature of truth that are still the subject of contemporary debates. It would be impossible to survey all there is to say about truth in any coherent way but in light of the current world events I believe it is an important concept to explore. What understanding of truth is emerging in this new world and is there a relationship between truth and creativity?
The concept of truth is discussed and debated in various contexts, including philosophy, art, theology and science with various theories and views by scholars, philosophers, theologians, politicians, artists, comics just to name a few. Truth is not easy to describe. What is truth? Is it simply “the real facts about something” or is it the way facts are interpreted? For that matter what are, “real facts?” People can be quick to assume that you cannot really know the real facts about something, for instance in the case of why situations occur as they do, why people act the way they do and what motives and agendas are present in a constellation of people. We have taken to using data as a form of fact but data can be manipulated and used to support a certain interpretation. Is that truth? A truth is considered to be universal if it is logically valid in and also beyond all times and places. Hence a universal truth is considered to transcend the state of the physical universe, and such a truth is seen as eternal or as absolute. Is that the only version of truth or is there a version of truth that we would call, “Human Truth?” Human Truth would include facts and/or data, the interpretation of those facts/data and whatever the perceptions or beliefs of an individual could be. It would be a personal and subjective version of truth. Human Truth would be whatever an individual understood it to be. This form of Truth might not transcend the state of the physical universe and might remain bound to a time and place or experience.
There are however, Truths that do seem to apply to all of us. In many ways, we are all ‘in this’ together and we have many similarities, or common life truths, that affect everyone in some form or another. Despite religious, cultural and geographical differences, there are many commonalities that we can all embrace. We often feel we are the only ones going through struggles and tough times. Shared experiences allow us to feel more connected, less alone and isolated in what we are going through, even if we aren’t physically sharing them together. Our global experience of Covid has brought this to light.
Human Truth is heavily influenced by technology, more specifically social media. The digital age has affected news and cultural narratives. People tend more and more to seek information that aligns with their views and with social media there are infinite possibilities for finding others who share those views. Misinformation and “fake” news have become the breakfast topic of the day. It is virtually a social condition that you must constantly monitor and adjust to. Facts, information and perspective are no longer only dictated by authorities but are also networked by peers. For every fact, there is a counter-fact. How can one tell what is then, fact? A Pew Research Center Study conducted in 2016, found that 64% of adults believe fake news stories. Manipulative people are using the new digital tools to take advantage of human preferences, the need for comfort, and the need to believe in something. Misinformation and manipulation are not new however the digital age has accelerated and broadened the influence making it more difficult for people to discern the impact information has on forming perspective i.e. Human Truth.
In the next 10 years, will trusted methods emerge to block false narratives and allow the most accurate information to prevail in the overall information ecosystem? Or will the quality and veracity of information online deteriorate due to the spread of unreliable, sometimes even dangerous, socially destabilizing ideas?” Is this where our focus will have the most benefit or will we be better served in developing our perspective and understanding of what influences perspective so that we are better able to discern and manage the information around us?
The emerging perspective of Human Truth will be the opportunity to shape and form our own truth within the process of alignment with our own being. How do we align with our own being? My belief is that by accessing and developing our creativity, our connection with our creative source, we will establish a pathway to aligning with our own being. The ability to bring imagination into physical being through action is the creative process that can shape human evolution. Creativity does not come from knowing the answer but in willing to not know and explore. Creativity is inherently neutral; it is not about creating more joy or having more fun or making things more positive. We need to be aware of the complete reality of things in order to let the best possible solutions surface and materialize. It may take a lot of courage to get closer to truth, to investigate what is hidden, to mobilize the energy needed to defy the status quo. We will need to improve the quality of our own thinking, become a truth detective and advocate. But once you start noticing the energy it unleashes, the life force that can become manifest when moving forward in projects and life it will be a tangible reward for the hard work put into it.
Could it be the case that our highly personal tendency to create our own version of reality has everything to do with our capacity to be creative? Do we have to do our homework in order to become more intimate with real, unrelenting, adequate and powerful creativity? I think so. Creativity is not only a productive force but a remedial force as well; it is nature’s way to restore balance where it was lost, to heal wounds and to improve us. In future, I believe, that our creativity will be central to expanding our emerging understanding of human truth and coping with a vastly changing and uncertain world.