When understanding reality one is compelled to think that what we see is what it is. It is just normal and human. But in a closer analysis we find that time changes the way we look at things and that there are “optical” illusions that obscure reality. It has always been this way but we are now paying attention to the things we are living just because it is our time. What is happening now is what is affecting us now, psychologically, economically, socially, and in every singe aspect of our existence.
One of my daily routines is to read the column in The Oregonian “This day in history” as it gives me a perspective of what has been happening over the years, well beyond my own life. Events that happened sometimes decades, sometimes centuries past. It gives me for sure a sense of perspective about our history and our struggle as humans and gives me a view of a panorama of events that in a complexity of relationships have an impact of our lives today.
As, I believe, Yogi Berra said many years ago: “The future is not like it used to be” reflects the complexity in the analysis of present day events. My quest is now related to the things I can do now, and how should I feel about the present. Of course these feeling have to relate, one way or another, to the reality of the situation, and to the way I see what this reality is.
I will focus first on my perception of reality based on the knowledge that what I see is not what others see, as an example I can mention a book I am currently reading. “Educated: A Memoir” written by Tara Westover is an insight to how people can live entangled with their own perception of life. How we can base our action on assumptions created by the way we are educated. Growing up in the remote mountains in Idaho Tara Westover didn’t go to school, her father feared that his children would be indoctrinated away from the teachings of The Bible. Reading the Bible and doing his own interpretation of it was for Tara’s dad the only truth needed for life. His worldview was based on his interpretation. As it used to be many-many years ago, people born in farms would not have a birth certificate, as my grandmother born in the late XIX century didn’t have. My grandmother had to register just before getting married in 1911 with help of relatives who witnessed her birth and through affidavit stated that she was who she claimed to be. Living afraid of the government Tara’s dad never took his children to the doctor, to the hospital or to the registry. So when Tara was registered at the age of nine they didn’t remember the exact date of her birth, they only remember it was the last week in July. With one of Tara’s brothers it was even worst as they couldn’t remember if it was May or June when he was born.
Seeing life through the lens of trust or mistrust is one main difference between those who see the government in society as the enemy and those who see the government as of the people, for the people, and by the people. Attitudes and actions are developed accordingly. Living in urban environment where you need to trust the system versus living in rural areas where reliance is on one’s own capabilities.
In today’s world where we are more interconnected and interdependent we can’t afford to see others as the enemy. We must recognize that the solution to the problem today require the participation of all. We much come together even with our differences to find ways of improving life for all, here and everywhere.
David J Terrell 