As I see it Nothing is Absolute, So Much Grey

[reneeh63]

Originally Posted by newtovenice

I see it differently. The older I get the clearer things are. We've made things so ridiculously complicated.

Simplify, simplify, simplify. Things become a lot more defined when stripped of all the clutter/noise/marketing/abc agencies/latest expert said so/must have this product nonsense.

At some point most people pick sides on the thing that are important to them...some do so compulsively and so are very arbitrary in how they simplify. But by cracky, simplify they have - whewww what a relief!

We base decisions on the knowledge we have at the moment but we're constantly learning so it should come as no surprise that some things we'll have to change decisions about unless we just dig in and refuse. People do what they want to.

[Cida]

There are all kinds of absolutes, all kinds of things that are absolutely true. But they're usually very specific, not broad.

For instance, it can't be said broadly that coffee is absolutely good or absolutely bad for you. But it can be said specifically that there are certainly upsides or downsides.

[jaminhealth]

Originally Posted by Cida

There are all kinds of absolutes, all kinds of things that are absolutely true. But they're usually very specific, not broad.

For instance, it can't be said broadly that coffee is absolutely good or absolutely bad for you. But it can be said specifically that there are certainly upsides or downsides.

Even what is a downside, can often turn out to be an upside. I've experienced this scenerio in my life.

[margaretBartle]

Originally Posted by OpinionExperience

you can only trust yourself and have to do your own research.

This is a common internet meme, used as a bumper sticker slogan. It sounds good, but if you actually think about it, it's nonsense.

No one can actually do their own research. It requries labs, equipment, statisticians, etc. And lots of money and time. You cab only research a tiny tiny tiny portion of the stuff you need to know - how safe is microwaved food? cell phone usage? wi-fi? Flouride in the water? That's four, a couple thousand more to go.

All you can do is read what other people say, and try to build up a reservoir of understandings that will help you assess how much of what you read you want to accept as being possibly true.

How you make that assessment varies according to temperment, education, free time, background experience, and life lessons.

But it boils down to assessing the integrity and competence of your sources, not doing your own research.