BRATTLEBORO — There is a great deal of evidence, both scientific and philosophical, that we each create our own reality. Many of us share many aspects of a collective “consensus” reality.
Right now, many of us share a consensus reality where the power of the COVID-19 pathogen is a much greater threat to our collective well-being than the economic challenges presented by properly addressing the immediate health issue.
Some feel the economic and political challenges more daunting. Some find the economic and political opportunities to exploit this pandemic irresistible.
I understand that some people's realities do not coincide with mine on this subject and many others. I do not think that is a good a reason to vilify those people or how they think. It does mean that I will sometimes believe in a very different set of conclusions and take very different actions.
Some think executing heretics best serves their God. Some think killing even mosquitos goes against their God's will. Who is right? How can one tell which is better? Only by referencing one's own subjective, personal reality and values.
This leads nicely into my favorite paradox: There are no absolutes.
I strongly suggest that vilifying someone for their different beliefs is often more unhelpful than helpful, even if one must resort to physical struggle to stop them from what one considers criminal behavior.
I also suggest that when we come across someone whose consensus reality seems mutually exclusive, that we first re-examine our own beliefs to see if we will either expand our understanding or if we find our current beliefs still hold true.