Recently there was this social media post on facts and how the world was turning its back on facts. Though not a masterpiece of a post it raises points which touch many of us when it comes to facts and the way we treat them. It says perhaps we have lost the concept of what actually is a ‘fact’ and maybe it is high time we start looking for a better meaning inclusive of all the things that are happening in this world of practical confusion. I personally feel that might sound like going a little over the edge though he had all the reasons to suggest as such. But it is astounding that we are in an age where facts are sacrificed and even mauled by all sides as long as they don’t help in furthering our opinions and attitudes.
Fact:
A thing that is known or proved to be true.
There you have it as one online dictionary puts it.
You would have thought that those who own the facts would own the narratives. After all they have the facts and facts should be what should be running this world. Facts, sweet or bitter, should have been the cornerstones of everything and anything in life. Hmmm… nicely said, isn’t it? Well it doesn’t work that way. I’m not sure if it ever did way down the ages; but just for the sake of amplifying the sorry state this world of ours is in it might better and a little soothing to think that there were better days when it comes to searching for the facts, finding them and also sticking to them. Had that been the case this world would have been a less chaotic place than it currently is. (Why do I feel in many
parts of the word things aren’t looking at all good and some unexpected things might happen anytime? No, this not about End Times narrative. But the level and intensity of antagonism in many places leaves you seeking for answers as to why all this was happening. With everyone flexing their muscles, and with the threats coming from many corners you wonder what the hell was wrong with humanity as a whole!)
Anyway when facts determine the directions of discussions, debates, arguments and the like the reasons for going off the rails would have dwindled and everyone would have gone happy and smiling for their next cup of coffee. That dear readers, currently sounds like some writing prompt for a fantasy piece! There is so much of the wrong noise hanging heavily in the air probably because many of our life material is either not based on the facts nor does it acknowledge the existing facts.
“Now I know that I had things all wrong, and thanks for making me aware of the facts.” You could feel the power in such innocent words; the power of admitting we were in the wrong and pledging to embrace the facts as they are. Unfortunately these days the facts in almost all fields and realties of daily life are abused, ignored, defaced and what have you. By some turn of things facts seem to have become subjective we seem to be drifting farther apart as a species which was provided with everything it needs and yet fails to make the best of the! The concept of the final and nominally binding facts seems to be no more as even the very term ‘fact’
seems to be heard with far lesser frequency. Though we haven’t yea brought it up into the open ‘fact’ these days is what the person says it is. Case closed! But wait a minute, in that case how would we ever come closer together for rewarding discussions and subsequent agreements.
How is it that you can claim, “They have been lying to us all through; the earth is flat and they are deliberately hiding it from us the statement unscathed or even unchallenged? Why is that the urge to counter such a person with something like, “Look, if you have any concrete evidence to back you argument than let’s hear it.”
“Did you know the guy could read a 700- page book in a single night?” someone tries to tell you. The real picture is that there are many who believed such narratives and spread it whenever they got the chance. About the 700-page-a-night guy it wouldn’t be long before you discover the guy never read a full book in his life! But the narrative spreads so fast and wide it becomes and an undeniable one too. Don’t you even try to place a question or two or you’d be taken for that jealous person whose eyes turn red at the successes of others. The guy’s 700-page-a-night bravado is a fact and don’t even think of wearing a frown! So either feed on that menu everyone is digging into or just get the hell out of the dining room! You’re not welcome!
There is this common opener, “The fact is…” it comes as something to let the matter to rest as the FACT is there for all to see.
“The fact is he is a good for nothing…” Well for the person who makes the statement that is ‘the fact.’ Then another person says, “The fact is he is the most humble of persons…” Would it be fair to say that in this case the very concept of ‘the fact’ has been rendered worthless as pure personal favoritisms and prejudices are taken as facts? Maybe, maybe not!
I think one of our more crucial mistakes is that we mix facts with opinions. Many times than not we want, even demand, our opinions to be taken as facts. No question asked! Maybe that’s the reason behind much of our failure to talk to each other in the civilized manner that we’re supposed to.
The fact most time is supposed to be the truth. (Maybe there are instances where facts might not be the truth, the only thing is nothing comes to me. Not yet, at least.) Well the sad part is that it is said facts don’t necessarily change our minds as long as they are not tailor made to satisfy our own opinions.
A social media post has this to say; “A person who avoids facts may be a denialist, or someone who chooses to deny reality to avoid an uncomfortable truth. Denialism can be a way for people to express and conceal their feelings.” Well, well, well! Doesn’t that sound familiar? It could prove to be some piece of adventure to try to guess how many of us fall into the ‘denialist,’ category!
Hunger for real facts in a world of utter confusion might be the mindset that would steer us back to full sanity!
BY EPHREM ENDALE
The Ethiopian Herald December 1/2024