Hello Philosopher!
Welcome to a new edition of "A Theory on Everything"!
We continue our exciting journey towards understanding and wisdom, embracing philosophy as a guide for our personal and spiritual growth. In this second month, we remain immersed in questions that awaken our philosophical curiosity.
We will delve into the nature of reality itself, exploring what is truly real and how we perceive the world around us.
We know that reality is a complex and constantly debated concept. What is real? Is reality objective or subjective? Can we trust our senses to know reality as it is? These reflections touch on the very nature of our existence.
Don't forget to share this newsletter with friends so we can reflect together!
Thank you for your attention!
Adrián
P.S.: Next week, we will tackle the fascinating question: "Does God exist?" Don't miss it.
What is Real?
At this moment, the world is suffering a painful reality.
An overwhelming reality. A difficult time that I am experiencing in a more personal way. The question is, what is reality? Is there only one? Is it formed by chance? Is someone or something guiding our human reality? Is there any way to change it?
I will propose a path of logical deduction.
Let's try to reach a consensus on this topic. I speak in the plural because it seems we are planning to do this together. The truth is, I write, and you read. It sounds like a monologue, although it is not. I am trying to reach some coherent conclusion. You can agree with my logic and deductions, or not.
You also participate in this thought exercise. The idea is that we reach some logical conclusion. It could be the same, or it might not be. Your conclusion is relevant.
You learn more by analyzing viewpoints that do not agree with yours than by studying your own viewpoint because you think you know it.
Is the sun yellow?
The question is simple and clear, almost idiotic. But did you know that there are animals whose only tones they distinguish are between black and white? They do not have retinas in their eyes. So in their eyes, the sun is gray. If I repeat the question, what would you answer?
We perceive the sun as yellow, but that does not mean it is yellow.
There is a neutral reality, the dark universe, which we observe in color. The observer creates the perception in their brain. Not all humans who can see the sun perceive its color as yellow. Some people only see the world in black and white. This is called achromatopsia, or monochromatism, a congenital, non-progressive genetic mutation.
Perhaps the ability to see colors is a genetic trait.
We assume a universal reality is fixed and real; however, this is not so. We can conclude that even the most universal reality is not real: it is generated by our brain. Likewise, it seems we have developed a way to understand the universe more beautifully than it really is.
Is the sky blue?
Of course, I see it that way every day. But think: what is the sky? It is oxygen stacked for miles, but air is transparent. There is nothing blue in space. Our eyes see it in a certain way, and our brain interprets it. There is no reason for the sky to be the color we see.
I believe we perceive the sky as blue so we can better distinguish the clouds. It's easier to see them and imagine shapes with a blue-tinted background. Or see storms approaching…
If you are an astronaut, you know the sky is not blue; it is black. In space, the sky is black. There is nothing blue there. Our brain tricks us into seeing the sky as blue.
Is the sky blue?
And no, the truth is it is not. We only experience that color when we are on planet Earth. Our perception influences the characteristics of what we observe. We also observe objects that are not real and label them as such. The characteristics of what we observe can change in our minds if we change the position from which we look.
Many animals have never seen, nor will they ever see, a rainbow.
It does not exist for them. They do not have retinas in their eyes that capture sunlight. In reality, it does not exist for us either; our brain creates it.
Have you ever seen two rainbows at the same time?
Sometimes it happens when the water pours down, and the sun shines; you see two. But did you know that you can always see two?
Your brain does not think and assumes there is only one object in the distance.
It has evolved by calculating and measuring its distance to the observed danger, and that is what it does.
If you are aware that you have two retinas, you focus, adjust your gaze, and can always see two rainbows.
Philosophical Exercise: If the rainbow is not real, why can you photograph it?
Everything we generally consider real is not real.
We have evolved to have the same perception of the universe. After all, we are the same species. Probably, the way we see the universe is the most perfect way to see it.
Reality is an interaction between the universe and the human brain. And it is impossible to know if that neutral universe is really as we observe it.
Are there no colors, and is everything really shades of gray? Do only humans perceive colors in sunlight?
Nothing is real.
Everything is a matter of perception and interpretation. It takes a conscious brain to process the information perceived by the senses. Observers do not share a common fixed reality. Each brain interprets everything differently.
Now we are still debating an assumed neutral or universal reality.
Additionally, there is the concept of reality, which is supposed to be true for everyone.
That depends on your past, on how everything was taught to you. We take certain situations for granted, but they are not. We are accustomed to accepting basic concepts as true, by repetition, that we do not even question them.
Each human being has a culture that shapes their reality, how they understand general concepts.
For example, you cut a long branch with a flower, a red rose. You show that branch to a three-year-old girl and ask her: what color is it? She will probably answer: green, and she is right because 90% of the object is green.
She has not yet learned the concept that only the color of the petals is relevant.
She interprets what she sees in a neutral and precise way. It is more accurate than saying the color of the petals. It is less useful because then all roses would be described as green.
This determination of what is useful is a cultural concept, not absolute.
It is learned and agreed upon among humans. Each language has its words, its sayings. Each culture has its own idioms and customs.
All human structure is an invention of the human brain.
Being an invention, it can also be said that it is not real. They do not exist. Only in the collective imagination of a society or culture. The problem is that these concepts were created as human evolution progressed. They remain so, becoming real and immovable, and no one questions them.
Another example: if you ask someone what year we are living in, they will probably say 2023. It depends on what country you live in. There are people living in the year 4720, others in 5782, others in 1945, and others in 1442.
It depends on what they believe, not on what is true, but it becomes true for them.
We all live in a collective illusion, something generated by someone who does not agree with the reality of the universe. The same goes for January 1st. The solar year does not begin on that day. If we consider the position of the planet with the position of the sun, the year should begin on another day. The solar year begins on that day, although humanity does not perceive it that way.
There is nothing real in our reality.
The truth is that the planet is transiting the year 12 of the Age of Aquarius, which began on December 21, 2011. We are leaving the Age of Pisces and entering the Age of Aquarius. These denominations are related to the alignment of the constellations in the universe.
These are human designations, derived from observations of the universe and not based on human events.
That is the universal reality.
If even the most basic concepts of humanity are wrong, we could conclude that most, if not all, are wrong. The truth is, it does not matter. Making mistakes, you learn and correct. This is at a personal level and also at a human level.
Conflicts between humans begin when ego interferes in the debate. At that moment, the debate stops being a dialogue in search of a common truth and becomes a discussion in defense of opinions or positions.
When two human beings, centered on their egos, argue, it is impossible to reach the truth or the solution of the problem. When the truth of the problem is not reached, the most appropriate solution is never achieved. It is impossible if you do not seek common ground. In my mind, I am the only one who exists. That is why I choose to live in harmony with the universe.
In my reality, I have no problems.
I realize that all social problems are caused by human beings with personal interests that they put before the common good. I do not criticize them, nor will I fight against that.
It is something that all humans learn: this is how societies are. In reality, we should not learn it.
This is the planetary system:
It is necessary to exchange time for money by working, to buy solutions to problems invented to get your money and thus your time. But, is that really necessary?
Nothing is real, not even the color of the sun, and if nothing is real, it also means that all human constructs and their problems are not real. The effects, obviously.
But, they do not affect my mood. I am in my reality.
What is your reality?
The Benefits of Knowing the Truth about Reality
Knowing the truth about reality can have a positive impact on your daily life, giving you a clearer and more authentic perspective. It provides a bit more mental peace by understanding what is real and what is not.
Moreover, it allows you to experience a series of tangible benefits that will transform different areas of your life.
Let's explore some of these benefits:
Self-awareness and Authenticity: By understanding how your perceptions and mental processes influence the creation of reality, you will develop greater self-awareness. This will enable you to recognize your own biases, limiting beliefs, and conditioned thought patterns.
Being more self-aware will help you make decisions that are more aligned with your values and personal goals, leading to a more authentic and satisfying life.
Presence and Appreciation of the Present Moment: By understanding that reality is constructed in each moment, you will learn to be more present in your daily experiences.
Instead of worrying about the past or anticipating the future, you will immerse yourself fully in the present moment. This will allow you to appreciate the small things in life, find beauty in the ordinary, and experience a greater sense of gratitude and happiness.
More Authentic and Empathetic Relationships: By understanding that each individual has their own subjective reality, you will develop a greater capacity to understand and empathize with others.
You will recognize that perceptions can differ and that each person has their own truth. This will help you avoid snap judgments and establish deeper and more meaningful connections with others, fostering more authentic and harmonious relationships.
More Informed Decision Making: By knowing the nature of reality, you will be more aware of the multiple perspectives and variables that can influence a given situation.
This will enable you to make more informed and balanced decisions, considering different points of view and taking the bigger picture into account.
You will be better able to assess long-term consequences and make decisions that are in harmony with your goals and values.
Personal and Spiritual Growth: By exploring the nature of reality, you will embark on a journey of personal and spiritual growth.
You will open yourself to new perspectives, question your entrenched beliefs, and expand your understanding of the world around you.
This journey will provide you with the opportunity to transcend limitations and broaden your horizons, leading to greater personal and spiritual development.
In summary, knowing the truth about reality will provide you with a series of benefits that will improve your quality of life.
From greater self-awareness and authenticity to more authentic relationships and more informed decision-making, these benefits will enable you to live a fuller and more meaningful life.
So, embrace the quest for reality and discover the benefits that await you!
Reflections on Reality:
A Journey through 10 Famous Quotes
We begin our journey with a reflection from the great physicist Albert Einstein: "Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." This quote reminds us that our perception of reality is deceptive and that what we consider "real" may simply be a construction of our mind.
We continue with the words of the Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca: "We suffer more often in imagination than in reality." Seneca invites us to reflect on how our fears and imaginations can distort our perception of reality, causing us more suffering than reality itself.
Enlightenment philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau offers us a different perspective: "The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless." Rousseau reminds us that while reality may seem limited, our capacity to imagine allows us to explore endless worlds.
Greek historian Plutarch offers an inspiring vision: "What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." This quote encourages us to seek change and personal growth, as these can have a profound impact on our reality.
Influential motivational speaker Earl Nightingale offers an optimistic view: "Whatever we plant in our subconscious mind and nourish with repetition and emotion will one day become a reality." Nightingale reminds us of the power of our thoughts and emotions to shape our reality.
Famous painter Frida Kahlo offers an artistic vision of reality: "I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality." Kahlo shows us that our reality is unique and personal, and each of us has the ability to create and express our own version of reality.
Composer Richard Wagner offers a creative vision: "Imagination creates reality." Wagner reminds us that our ability to imagine can shape our reality, creating new possibilities and experiences.
Painter Pablo Picasso offers a similar vision: "Everything you can imagine is real." Picasso encourages us to explore the limits of our imagination, as what we can imagine can become our reality.
Writer Gustave Flaubert offers a reflective vision: "Reality does not conform to the ideal, but confirms it." Flaubert reminds us that our reality may not be perfect, but it can serve to confirm and shape our ideals.
Finally, musician John Lennon offers a communal vision of reality: "A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." Lennon reminds us that our reality is shared, and that the dreams and visions we share with others can become our common reality.
These reflections invite us to explore and question our perception of reality and recognize the power of our minds to create and shape our reality. They remind us that our reality is both a personal construction and a shared experience, and that each of us has the ability to influence our reality through our thoughts, emotions, imaginations, and actions.
Conclusion
This week, we delved into the fascinating exploration of the nature of reality and the acquisition of knowledge.
I hope to have opened you to new perspectives.
As we deepen our search for answers, let us remember that reality is a complex and constantly evolving concept, and nothing is definitively real.
I invite you to take a moment to reflect on how you perceive the world around you.
Observe your surroundings carefully and question your beliefs.
By doing so, you are applying philosophy. Write your reflections in a philosophical journal or share them with others in the discussion group.
Philosophy invites us to continue seeking truth and beauty in all its forms. Let us continue exploring, questioning, and sharing our thoughts with other lovers of the quest for truth.
I hope you join us in our next weekly meeting, where we will address one of the most transcendental questions: Does God exist?
Thank you and see you next time!
Adrian
P.S.: Can you share this newsletter with 3 people you know would appreciate it? You would be doing them and me a huge favor! Thank you for sharing.