Everything Is A Lie! Really?

By TLS

There I was again, scrolling through LinkedIn looking at some member’s posts.

To properly set today’s stage though, occasionally when I see something interesting, or let’s say different, I’ll follow up and look at the member’s home page.

Lately I’ve been seeing several posts by some members, and elsewhere, which make claims like “Everything you know is a lie!” or “Everything you’ve been taught is wrong!” I’m assuming they mean everything everyone else knows is a lie but they know the truth. That seems to be the predominant theme.

Many years ago, I worked with a Russian national. During the course of normal daily conversation, differences in early education came up. I asked him how World War II ended. He said, essentially, after Russia defeated forces in Europe, they were then able to focus east. Germany now defeated, Japan was faced with this new threat, and surrendered.

There was no mention of the two entire city deleting nuclear bombs dropped on Japan, or the massive amount of material support the US provided Russia, and others. When I asked about this, the response I received was “…that really didn’t have much to do with it…” or something close to that (it was a long time ago).

I’m not implying Russia’s role was insignificant, far from it. Russia kept the Nazis from swallowing up a large portion of central and eastern Europe, and Asia most likely. I also have no doubt I am woefully uninformed on many of Russia’s wartime contributions. Although, being a fan of history, I do know more than a little.

My point through all this vodka-fueled rambling, is many have a different view and perspective of the exact same historical events. I have no doubt my Russian friend’s recollection of battles and events would line up fairly close to my own. The importance, focus, intent, and impact or outcome of those events however may well be more than slightly off. Is that to say they’re wrong? Most of the time, probably not. Just different.

Now, to back up a bit and refocus on the comments I mentioned above. Due to the tone and wording, I believe the vast majority of the individuals I’m referring to are more conspiracy focused. Conspiracy theorists believe they are right and everyone else is essentially blind ignorant fools for believing the lies of Big Brother and the deep state machine. Any attempt at a meaningful conversation is pretty much done before it even starts.

So. I think the bulk of the remainder of differences in views which fuels much of this phenomenon comes more from the current crop of petulant ‘children’ who believe unendingly in their own superior knowledge and less from cultural or background differences.

History is filled with stories of people, or groups of people, who were certain in their own self-righteousness and superior knowledge. Usually, they turned out wrong, or at least on the less desirable side when looking back. Very few positions are as simple as yes or no, most views fall somewhere on a spectrum between the two poles of black and white. The more certain one is in a position, often the more likely it may be wrong, or at least poorly informed.

If one is open to learning, a little high quality information can go a long way in dislodging a long held belief. But then again, I could just be lying to you.

Truth is slippery, perspective is powerful, and certainty is often misleading. If we stop asking questions, we stop learning. If this piece made you pause, share it with someone who might need the reminder that truth is rarely black or white. And if you enjoy challenging easy answers, subscribe for more.