Not Necessarily True
What we are taught is not necessarily true. Oh, it COULD be true, as could anything, but that is a choice.
How else do you explain conflict? Do we actually believe that there’s only ONE set of rules, which just HAPPENS to be the set of rules we’ve adopted?
Are we THAT closed-minded?
Can we not accept the possibility that others may have their OWN sets of rules, which should be respected just like our own?
Why must OTHERS live within OUR rules?
How can we be absolutely certain that OUR rules are best for everyone?
Do we know ALL there is to know?
Are we not, perhaps, a little too self-centered and maybe slightly delusional?
Space Monkey Reflects: Not Necessarily True
We grow up surrounded by rules, ideas, and beliefs that shape how we see the world. From childhood, we’re taught to understand reality through the lens of the culture, society, and family that surrounds us. These teachings often feel like absolute truths—unchangeable, unquestionable. But the reality is far more complex. What we’re taught is not necessarily true. It could be true, just as anything could be true, but that’s a matter of choice and perspective, not fact.
The image of figures standing on separate floating platforms, each surrounded by their own symbols, ideas, and beliefs, illustrates this beautifully. We all exist in our own realities, influenced by the rules we’ve adopted or inherited. These rules can feel like the only truth, but the glowing thread that connects the figures shows us something deeper: we are all connected, despite our differences in belief. No single set of rules is absolute.
This reflection invites us to consider the Pluraltruth, the understanding that multiple truths can exist simultaneously. Just as the figures in the image are surrounded by their own symbols and ideas, we too are surrounded by belief systems that may feel unique to us but are no more definitive than the beliefs of others. Conflict arises when we forget this, when we insist that our rules are the only valid ones, and that others must conform to them. But in truth, the cosmos is vast, and so are the possibilities for understanding reality.
Why do we believe there’s only one set of rules—the one we’ve adopted? It’s a question that cuts to the heart of human conflict. The answer lies in Mindcontainment—the tendency to limit our understanding of the world to the boundaries of our own experiences and teachings. It’s comfortable to live within these boundaries, to believe that what we know is all there is to know. But it’s also limiting. When we cling too tightly to our own rules, we close ourselves off from the richness of other perspectives.
We might wonder: Why must others live within our rules? How can we be so certain that what we believe is best for everyone? The truth is, we can’t. We don’t know all there is to know. Our rules are just one possible way of navigating the vastness of existence. They work for us, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. To insist that others conform to our way of thinking is to deny the legitimacy of their experience, their understanding of the world.
This reflection pushes us to embrace a Humbleknowing—a recognition that we don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. It’s not about dismissing our own beliefs but about holding them lightly, with the understanding that they are just one part of a much larger tapestry. When we do this, we open ourselves to learning from others, to seeing the world through different lenses. We realize that truth is not a monolith but a constellation of perspectives, each one valid in its own way.
Nexistentially, this reflection taps into the idea that the universe is not built on one set of rules but many. We are not here to enforce a singular reality but to explore the infinite possibilities of existence. Each person, each culture, each belief system is a different expression of the same underlying truth: that we are all part of a greater whole, all connected by the same cosmic thread, even if our perspectives differ.
The figures in the image, standing on their floating platforms, remind us that our beliefs may feel separate, but they are all part of the same space. The cosmic backdrop represents the vastness of what we don’t know, the possibilities that lie beyond the rules we’ve created. And the glowing thread that connects them is the reminder that despite our differences, we share the same existence, the same reality. We are all navigating the same cosmic landscape, even if we’re doing so from different angles.
Ultimately, this reflection calls us to let go of the need to be right, to embrace the diversity of thought, and to accept that what we believe is not necessarily true for everyone—and that’s okay. The world is richer for it.
Summary
What we’re taught isn’t necessarily true; it’s just one way of understanding the world. Conflict arises when we insist that our rules are the only valid ones. By embracing multiple truths and recognizing our own limitations, we open ourselves to the richness of different perspectives.
Glossarium
Pluraltruth: The concept that multiple truths can exist simultaneously, each valid within its own context.
Mindcontainment: The tendency to limit one’s understanding of reality to the boundaries of personal experience or cultural teachings.
Humbleknowing: The recognition that we don’t have all the answers, and that it’s okay to hold our beliefs lightly, open to other perspectives.
Quote
“The rules we live by are not the only rules. Truth is not a monolith, but a constellation of perspectives, each one valid in its own way.” — Space Monkey
Rules of the Sky
We float on separate islands
Each surrounded by our symbols
Our rules
Yet the sky is vast
And the thread connects us
Though we may not see it
What is true for me
Is not the only truth
The Relativity of Truth
We are taught many things, but their veracity is not absolute. Truth, as we perceive it, is subject to our individual and collective choices. This raises a fundamental question about the nature of truth and its potential plurality.
The Conflict of Perspectives
Conflict often arises from the belief that there is only one set of rules, generally the one we adhere to. This belief is inherently limiting and overlooks the vast diversity of perspectives and rules that exist beyond our own.
Open-mindedness and Respect for Diversity
It is crucial to acknowledge that others may have their own sets of rules, equally valid and deserving of respect. Our closed-mindedness hinders our ability to understand and appreciate the rich tapestry of human beliefs and practices.
Imposing Our Rules on Others
The insistence that others conform to our rules is an act of dominance and disregards the autonomy and validity of different ways of life. It is an exercise in imposing our worldview on others, often without considering their unique contexts and perspectives.
The Fallibility of Our Rules
We cannot be absolutely certain that our rules are the best for everyone. This certainty often stems from a narrow view of the world, ignoring the diverse experiences and needs of others. We must question the universal applicability of our rules and norms.
Limits of Our Knowledge
Our understanding of the world is limited. We do not, and perhaps cannot, know all there is to know. This limitation should humble us and inspire a continual quest for learning and understanding.
Self-Centric Delusions
There is a possibility that we are, indeed, too self-centered and perhaps slightly delusional in our beliefs and perceptions. This self-centric view limits our ability to truly connect with and understand the world beyond our individual experiences.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” – Socrates
A Symphony of Perspectives
In the grand orchestra of existence,
Each instrument plays its own tune,
Beliefs and truths, a diverse dance,
Under the same cosmic moon.
Some melodies are loud and proud,
Others, soft whispers in the wind,
Each note, a perspective found,
In the symphony, we are kin.
Our rules, but strings in the harp,
Cannot claim the whole stage,
In this vast and varied landscape,
Open minds must engage.
For in the realm of the infinite,
Where we dance and we sway,
Acknowledging our limits,
Is the wisdom’s truest way.
In this concert of consciousness,
We are Space Monkey, ever bright,
Embracing the multitude of truths,
In the eternal cosmic night.
We invite you to share your perspectives on the intricate symphony of beliefs and the journey towards understanding and embracing diversity.
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