If there’s one thing I learned from the Matrix Movie Trilogy it’s that Morpheus nailed it when he stated that his beliefs did not require others to believe as he did.
How refreshing is that? Beliefs are beautiful, precious things. Sure we can share what we believe, but in so doing we should always remember that what I hold to be true for me may not necessarily be true for you.
True wisdom lies in realizing that there is very little we know absolutely. And that which we hold to be universally true needs no defending. There is absolutely no need for anyone to run around testifying that tomorrow the sun indeed will rise.
No shit Sherlock! The sun surely will rise tomorrow just as it has every day from the dawn of time. The rising and setting of the sun is an obvious, absolute truth and needs no defending.
So the next time you find yourself seeking to sway someone’s belief by overbearingly sharing your own, STOP, and ask, “Why am I feeling the need to convince this person of my personal belief?”
I’ve found that whenever we become overbearing in the sharing of what we believe, it is because we actually are quite uncertain. Trying to make a convincing case is really our attempt to bolster our own beliefs. While testifying can certainly solidify for you what you feel to be true, it can, for others, become increasingly uncomfortable and unbearable. The enlightened will of course patiently listen for in your need to testify they recognize something that they long ago realized . . . beliefs are unique, precious, fragile, fluid things. Yes, beliefs, like individuals, are always changing and evolving. What you hold to be true for you today will almost certainly be different than what you hold to be true for you tomorrow.
So in conclusion, yes, there is universal truth—truths that do indeed govern the universe. These, however, are different than individual beliefs. All men and women are free to believe what they believe. We will do well to remember that these beliefs change, develop and evolve over time for they are affected by additional revelation, time, growth, and experience. So for sure share your beliefs, for sharing beliefs in a genuine, heartfelt manner, can open others to an expanded awareness, and help them shape their own beliefs too. Never, however, seek to push your beliefs on others for there is very little that is absolute. In fact, the only thing you really need to know is how much you really don’t know!
If you can always keep this truism in mind—that you don’t really know, nor need you know it—you will more consistently speak and act aright. And you will allow others the privilege and right to grow and develop too. That’s the beauty of belief. We are free to choose. And that’s the truth--let freedom ring!
Welcome to Steemit @janellepage. :c)
A very interesting topic to start out upon and you well-express your points.
One thing that does come to mind however is that not all perspectives are created equal. I feel that you are correct in suggesting that attempts to pressure persons to be aware of a different perspective is likely to be counterproductive.
However I also feel that ensuring that persons have ample opportunities to 'choose' to become aware of a different perspective is not incorrect, especially if the perspective being peddled might otherwise not be widely known or tested.
Thank you for sharing this with us. :c)
As an aside, since you're new here, here is a post that you will likely find helpful.
I think that you are on the right track and just keep in mind that it takes time and effort to build up any income here (posts, comments, curation/votes (and followers), etc.).
Steem on!
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Interesting thoughts and I appreciate you sharing your insights. One thought I had concerning your comment, "not all perspectives are created equal" is that if we are all divine beings, which I believe we are, then I believe all perspectives are created equal (it is okay for you to believe differently of course :) ). All perspectives share the same genesis in that they spring from our divinely created minds. Now, while they all emerge from the same divine source. They do become "colored" by life experience and circumstance to form a unique, individual perspective. So to claim one perspective is superior or better or more enlightened than another is simply just "perspective." haha!
I think this is also why it is difficult to truly see someone else's perspective. We can't see through their lens without actually putting on their glasses (aka worldview). Thanks for helping me further solidify some of my thoughts and beliefs. Discussion and sharing definitely helps us formulate our thoughts. Perhaps this is truly one of the most valuable reasons for sharing our beliefs!
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