The other day,
in the midst of deep, philosophical conversation, my brother dropped a gem on me…
He asked, “How do you really know what’s true?”
Hmm… That’s a damn good question, bro.
And it got me thinking.
So much so, that I had to write an expanded version of my answer. Because I believe that this is an immensely important topic in this day and age.
There’s so much information out there now. How do we know what’s accurate? How do we know what’s true?
There are so many websites. So many blogs. So many books. So many references. So many sources. So many “experts.” So many “authorities.” So many view points. So many perspectives. So many con artists. So many genuine researchers. So many camps. So many methods. So many systems. So many agendas. So many biases. So many “isms.” So much data. So much statistical contortionism. So many revisions. So many lies. So many cover-ups. So many monetarily influenced studies. So many monetarily influenced agendas. So much disinformation. So many interpretations. So many theories. So many details. So many distractions. So many ways of thinking.
Truth, lies, fact, fiction…etc. It’s ALL in plain sight now, which can be a little overwhelming.
We live in the information age. Truth is out in the open and readily available. But you have to learn to sift through the haystacks to find that needle you’re searching for.
So here’s my perspective on sorting through all the bullshit and figuring out what’s true or not…
(This applies to everything. From learning wtf Tinder is, to figuring out whether or not we live in the matrix; and everything in between.)
How to lead yourself towards truth: (Think of these as prerequisites of sorts for pointing yourself in the direction of truth.)
+Create intent.
As with everything else, you have to want it before you can get it. Set the intent to discover truth, and you will inevitably find it.
Also, you have to be willing to unveil truth, even if it can potentially shatter your fundamental beliefs and ideas.
When you set the intent, things somehow just start falling into place.
+Let go of all biases.
Work on transcending the many cognitive biases. Get rid of preconceived notions. Don’t cling to ideas. Don’t put everything into boxes (especially yourself). Be open to all possibility. Be flexible and adaptable. Be like water, my friend.
“Think about the power you have when you can readily entertain and deviate from ideas.” -Elliott Hulse
If you classify yourself as genetically predetermined to be sick all the time, you’re going to close yourself off to lifestyle changes and empowering ways to improve your health.
If you rigidly identify with any organized religion, you’re only going to find information that fits nicely within the confines of your belief system.
If you cling to the perspective that eating “low-fat” is best for weight loss, you’re going to ignore any evidence that disproves it.
If you rigidly classify yourself as a “conspiracy theorist”, you’re going to jump to the conclusion that all tragedies are false flags before even evaluating the evidence.
Have an open mind, and be able to entertain any idea without clinging to it. That’s the key to unlocking the door where truth resides.
Now it’s time to address the main question…
HOW DO YOU REALLY KNOW IF SOMETHING IS TRUE?
1. That deep intuitive feeling.
You instantly know that something is true when you feel it in the depths of your being. When you feel it in your bones.
It’s THAT FEELING (you know what I’m talking about). That profound, intuitive feeling.
It’s not believing, but knowing. It’s literally experiencing truth as opposed to entertaining the idea of truth.
Words don’t do it justice. You know when it happens though.
Note: Most people are completely absorbed by their minds and out of touch with their bodies and intuition. In order to build more awareness of this feeling, I suggest honing your intuition first. I rarely felt any deep knowing until I started honing my intuition. And these days I get that intrinsic feeling whenever I reveal any truths to myself.
2. Validation via dot connecting.
Another means of knowing you’re honing in on truth is when dots start connecting. When seemingly unrelated information validates each other. I call it validation via dot connecting.
This is why it’s so beneficial to draw from a variety of sources. You have no perspective or reference points when using only one source. Why do we have two eyes, and not just one?
Connecting the dots from multiple sources points you towards truth.
Keep an eye out, because you’ll often find corroborating evidence from the most random and unlikely of places. I’ve experienced this countless times.
Here’s a recent example. I’ve been studying the field of epigenetics recently. (Which is basically the study of how some gene expressions are influenced by environmental factors, meaning our genetics aren’t strictly predetermined.) And while watching an interview with an expert in the fitness/bodybuilding nutrition field (I thought I was just getting info on how to get more jacked), he brought up an epigenetic-related point (even though he never explicitly mentioned the term “epigenetics”). He mentioned that recent studies show that your dietary habits from early childhood can influence things like how your body stores fat and partitions nutrients. See what I’m talking about HERE.
When you’re aware, you’ll experience validation via dot connecting on a regular basis.
It adds excitement to the mystery of life.
I’ll conclude with some words of wisdom from 2 Chainz…
Stay feelin’ good, feelin’ great.
-Stevie P!
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Questions? Comments? Theories of your own? Share em below.
