ethos
My ethos is to bridge the gap between how I perceive the world and how it truly is, and help others do the same. This objective lies on two bedrock assumptions: (1) objective reality exists, and (2) we can understand both its nature and our relation to it.
(1) The existence of objective reality is axiomatic; you either believe it or you don’t. While some argue Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems prove that the universe cannot be a computer simulation, one can relax a few assumptions to circumvent this. Besides, like a spontaneous decrease of entropy, a simulation is merely a statistical improbability, not a violation of natural law.
(2) Some may knock on a table and say, ‘This is reality,’ but the implication of the axiom extends far beyond the physicality of nature. Exploring how the belief in objective reality shapes human life is a fascinating topic, but with regards to my ethos, I am drawn to a specific conviction vis-à-vis consciousness. I believe human consciousness is capable of understanding the nature of reality and our relation to it. Though not as fundamental as objective reality itself, our capacity to understand the nature of reality is a co-axiom, and I believe it to be true.
How do I go about understanding objective reality?
Understanding objective reality requires intellectual honesty and discipline, but more than anything, it takes courage to venture into the unknown. It could mean jettisoning a belief one has about certain topics, facing a terminal medical condition, or simply admitting, ‘I am not the person I’ve always thought I was.' All these actions take courage and deep self-awareness.
Nietzsche argued that humans often adopt and cling to beliefs not because they correspond to an objective reality, but because those beliefs are useful, comforting, or necessary for survival and social order.
Furthermore, most of us do not burden ourselves with understanding the nature of objective reality. Why would we? There is a more pragmatic and perhaps more rewarding alternative.
Yuval Harari defines inter-subjective reality as a layer of reality that exists within the communication network and shared imagination of multiple consciousness, rather than within a single mind or independently in the physical world.
It is easy to fool ourselves that we are immune to such common human tendencies, but we should remember that teaching the heliocentric theory and facing charges of asebeia once meant literal a death sentence. Such draconian penalties for truth seekers may be rare in modern civilizations, but tempting alternatives still abound in the name of commerce and even virtue.
If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things. - René Descartes
As long as we approach the inquiry with Cartesian curiosity, honesty, and intellectual humility, I believe the universe will reveal itself in small increments.
What about my subjective reality?
Realizing that my perception is severely constrained and biased is more than a humbling experience, it is an existential one. At least, this has been true for me. Even in a physical sense, I can only perceive macroscopic objects through a small range of the electromagnetic spectrum. While we can augment our limited perceptual modalities with scientific apparatus in the domain of physics, such limitations are far more pronounced in the realm of psychology. It is indeed deeply unsettling to realize just how biased and prejudiced we all can be.
In my pursuit of self-discovery, I found Carl Jung’s concept of integration and Frankl’s logotherapy to be incredibly instrumental. The key to self-discovery, I believe, is to interrogate oneself with honesty and compassion.
So how do I close the gap between objective and my subjective realities?
Closing the gap between objective and subjective realities is truly a Sisyphean task. If I were to make a slight modification to the Greek mythology to make this allegory more relevant, I would say there is more than one route to the “never-there” summit. For me, the most natural route has been a scientific one; more specifically, physics. As wide and well-paved as that trail appeared, I believe that isn’t the only way. For instance, if one pursues the concept of beauty with sufficient fervor and humility, I believe it can serve as a gateway to understanding reality.
The Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard famously proposed that human existence is divided into three distinct life-views or spheres of existence: the aesthetic, the ethical, and the religious. These spheres represent the different frameworks, values, and mindsets an individual uses to navigate their life, discover meaning, and attempt to "become a self". Rather than automatic biological or psychological stages, moving between these spheres requires an intentional, conscious act of the will.
‘À la recherche du temps perdu’ functions as an allegorical search for truth, exploring how time erodes relationships, innocence, and human endeavor, while art acts as the ultimate tool to recapture and preserve the beauty of past experiences.
How do I help others close the gap between objective reality and their subjective reality?
As with most human endeavors, the question that should precede any action is “Should I?” Even if my intent isn’t pedagogical, it is easy for others to misinterpret my narration as life advice or ethical intrusion stemming from unwarranted arrogance. It is indeed presumptuous to think that my perception of objective reality is worth sharing, or that my method would be beneficial to anyone else. Further complicating factors include:
Willingness: People may not be willing or ready to confront objective reality.
Teleological Perspective: Consider parents who remain overly optimistic about the dire prognosis of a sick child. The best course of action isn’t to tell them that they are delusional, but rather to support them through their grief.
Violation of Personal Agency: Individuals need to find a path to discovering reality on their own terms and timeline.
Psychological Comfort: Many people place feelings and emotional safety ahead of objective facts. Especially, the pain of anamnesis can be paralyzing.
Ontological Scotopic Vision: Perhaps I have regressed further into Plato’s cave and am confusing a phosphene with natural light.
I have realized the best I can do most of the time is either to disengage entirely from the topic or to quietly accompany others along their journey of self-discovery. Better yet, a more effective approach is simply to ensure that I do not impede them from exploring objective reality when they are ready.