Reality
Today I wanted to briefly discuss a philosophical topic that generates a lot of debate in regards to how it’s defined.
Recently life threw me a curve ball, so I’ve had a lot of time to think about this subject. It seemed interesting to share my perspective at this moment because eventually in retrospect, I hope to be able to gain additional insight down the line.
Perhaps this is obvious, but it occurred to me that reality can only be truly defined thru external verification. Sure there are those that say life is what you make of it, and others who would argue that your own perspective is all that matters. But to that I counter, can a person who believes they’re a doctor practice medicine when they don’t have a license? Or is a thief who is caught and argues to a court they were only taking back what is theirs, able to avoid punishment?
Obviously what others think of you matters. I’ll also go so far as to say it’s actually more critical since we live in a world dependent on social interaction. To clarify, I’m not denying that how you see yourself isn’t important. It should be clear that how you perceive yourself is also linked to what you ultimately become. What I am trying to say is, until what is inside becomes validated by the outside world, what you have is not really “reality” rather, a dream.
Being described as a dreamer myself, I’m inclined to defend those who see potential, yet to be manifested, ideas as reality in and of themselves. However, it’s becoming apparent that unless others support this internally held perception, what you’re describing is basically imaginary, and not reality at all. I’d add to argue otherwise could even be seen as delusional.
That said, I’m definitely not trying to downplay the importance of dreams.
I know telling someone they’re not something they see themselves to be is walking a fine line. Who has the right to label? If someone sees themselves in a particular manner, who can tell them they’re wrong?
If an actor, waiting for a big break, is told by a detractor stop ‘pretending’ and get real, should these words have any weight? Or perhaps if you’re a writer and yet to have anything published, does anyone have the right to tell you you’re not? I’d argue, no.
However, what I hope my examination of this concept has done today is reveal we’re all part of a bigger system. And since being connected to a larger whole is unavoidable, what is considered “real” is potentially more dependent on external perceptions as opposed to not.
