813 days ago : On Sunday, June 15, I shared the following passage with you...

On Sunday, June 15, I shared the following passage with you, and in response to your requests, I have posted it here for your reference and comment.

Playwright, poet and first president of the Chech Republic Vaclev Havel once said, “Keep the company of those who seek the truth, and run from those who have found it.” If you keep this in mind as you search for meaning and purpose in life, you will have a better chance of discovering truth while experiencing more joy and freedom in the process. Throughout the history of humanity, philosophers, sages and mystics in pursuit of truth have come to the same conclusion as Einstein, who maintained, The search for truth is more precious than it’s possession.”

Of course, history is replete with the stories of individuals and groups who believed they had found the truth and with it, the right and obligation to impose it upon others. From the crusades to the Inquisition, from Fascism to Maoism, those who believe they are in possession of the truth often destroy those who are reluctant to embrace their reality. At this very moment there are eight ‘major’ wars (defined by at least one thousand battlefield deaths per year) and approximately two dozen “lesser” conflicts occurring on the planet. The overwhelming majority of all wars are fought by people over religious, ideological or political beliefs.

There may be times and circumstances when it is justified to defend and even die for a belief, but sadly, our primitive patterns of reacting often result in violence as an early rather than last resort. Most people confuse their strongly held beliefs with the truth.

-    Extract from ‘The Ten Commitments’ by David Simon, M.D

There is a seemingly fine but very clear distinction between belief and truth, and when we are conscious of that difference we are better able to evaluate and react to ourselves and life’s occurrences. What would you count as situations in your life and in our country that relate to the belief/truth paradigm?