Alternate Title: I’m convinced we’re living in different realities
Yes, I still haven’t quite moved on from my last post.
Disclaimer
For anyone who’s here thinking I’m about to deliver the greatest conspiracy theory known to humanity: sorry, not today.
Instead, I’m just here to give a simple explanation for why some people’s perspectives seem so bizzare.
Life’s realities
Reality is a very interesting fellow.
Unfortunately, you don’t know him that well.
[I know, I know. What crazy am I talking about this time?]
The only way to really understand Reality is to have a full understanding of anything and everything. And I’m pretty confident that you haven’t achieved that.
Instead, let me introduce you to Reality’s more popular twin: Collective Reality.
But, they look so much alike? And where are you going with this?
No worries, I’ll get to that.
You see, unlike Reality who is the objective truth of all that is and has been, Collective Reality is the subjective truth we most believe in, basically the principles that guide our societies. Plus, sprinkled in with some objective truths too. [We’re not totally clueless, after all.]
Here’s an example: Reality is what happens after you die. Collective Reality is what a majority of people believe happens. Stuff like going to heaven or hell, reincarnation, or absolute nothingness.
[Catch my drift?]
Individual Realities
Now, the fun thing about life is that everyone has their own version of reality. We all have a unique Point of View (PoV). So, how does this work with Collective Reality?
What’s going on?
Well, while Collective Reality is the major shared beliefs of humanity, sometimes those things contradict one another. Or you just disagree with what’s popular. Because of this, everyone’s Individual Reality is different than the Collective Reality. It’s kinda like this:
But, why are some individual realities barely sharing space with the Collective Reality?
Because it’s a Venn Diagram and some people’s realities just don’t have a lot in common with the majority. [Just think of Holocaust deniers or Flat Earthers.]
Why is Collective Reality so big compared to individual realities?
There are many, many things to know about, believe in, and have an opinion on. So many that the individual realities should be tiny in comparison. But, that would make it harder to illustrate my points.
Coexisting with the collective
I think it’s apparent to anyone reading this that some issues must stem from these separate realities. Or better yet, how humanity handles differences in beliefs.
Well, that’s the trick to all this. Conflict arises, point blank. Since everyone works within their own reality, sometimes it can be a struggle to find common ground.
However, just acknowledging someone’s PoV is one thing. What about respecting it? Or seriously trying to understand it? Or better yet, work alongside it?
And of course, what about realities that you refuse to accept? Everyone has them.
Would you be cool with a cult who sacrifices children every Tuesday?
What if a government enforced a law requiring every adult to be married by their 21st birthday?
Under what circumstances do you think the good of the many outweighs the suffering of a few? What about vise versa?
To make things extra fun, think about what happens when you’re the one outside Collective Reality’s reach. Like when you hate a song most people like. Or even better, if there are any facts from the Collective Reality that you oppose.
Mastering the tightrope
I want to remind you of something: Collective Reality is not Reality. I know they look alike and it can be difficult to tell them apart. But, they are not the same.
The nature of the collective is confusing and contradictory. It’s many different PoVs thrown into one bubble and you can’t embrace all of it and still be considered sane. [Or at least, I doubt it.]
It’s also impossible to make everyone happy, all the time. And drowning out your own beliefs and hopes all the time probably isn’t the best for you.
Basically, Collective Reality isn’t the perfect answer. The only perfect answer would be Reality. Which again, you’re incapable of being BFFs with.
Then what should I do?
What do you mean? You get to free roam. Decide for yourself what fits and what doesn’t.
And trust me, I know that’s simpler said than done. But hey, that’s life. It’s all a work-in-progress. And you’re capable of figuring it out as you go along. And if you need help, there’s a ton of other people out there working through this like you. Heck, there’s even a bunch of ideas to be found from the past.
Read a book, watch a documentary, or check out more of my posts. Take note of what stands out, good or bad. Consider why. The more you look deeper, the more you can understand yourself and what’s your version of reality. You might even find the perfect spot between your reality and the collective.
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