I’ve never liked universals . . . well, I guess sometimes they’re OK.
I would prefer to consider myself to be a fairly open-minded individual, cautious about ever taking such a strong stance on any topic that I totally disregard the possibility I might be misguided.
However, that in itself seems a system of belief that is perhaps worthy of self-criticism. Is considering all things relative, for the most part, just another form of universalism? Who am I to say there isn’t an overbearing truth to it all?
Descartes said: “I think therefore I am.” I guess that is one universal I usually take for granted. I rarely doubt the fact that I think, even though (like most thinkers I presume) I have momentarily questioned whether anyone else actually thinks or exists. The only thing that I tend to think I know, for almost certain, is that I must exist to some degree, because I am conscious of my thinking.
But maybe even that is an illusion. Maybe I cannot rely on that “truth.” Perhaps it goes beyond my current understanding of myself and reality and I do not actually think, nor can I rest in the comfort of my own existence.
However, that’s probably just useless skepticism — completely impractical intellectual nincompoopery. More relevant in the world as I perceive it (and will therefore momentarily accept to be real) is the whole notion of this God character.
To say I have my doubts in his/her/its/their existence is a bit of an understatement. Looking at the world around me, I really see little evidence, and have limited faith, that a supreme being is behind the whole extravaganza.
But if other people claim to have experienced this supernatural entity, who am I to say their interpretation of reality is wrong just because it’s not something with which I’ve come into contact? After all, I’ve never seen a pantomime, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
I guess it doesn’t really matter if God exists or not. The world seems to be continuing on its path regardless.
The notion belief makes any difference to this supposedly awesome and righteous character always struck me as a bit silly anyway. Why would belief in God impact God’s opinion of the believer, especially considering the universe seems to be set up in a way that would lead one to think there is no God?
I could be wrong though.
Really, how anyone believe in anything? I suppose at some level one has to take a leap of faith to hold any opinion. I cannot even be 100 per cent certain I’m typing on this computer. Maybe I’m just a figment of your, the reader’s, mind. Who knows for certain?
Whether anything is real, everything is real or nothing is real, I guess it doesn’t make a difference. All I can do is choose to accept what I perceive as the world around me and live my life accordingly.
Perhaps it’s a bit naïve on my part, or even a tad presumptuous, but it makes sense that contemplating truth and reality shouldn’t stand in the way of one trying to enjoy this alleged existence and helping all those other supposed conscious entities (whether they exist or not) enjoy it too.
But I could be wrong.
