To me, the above is without question. It was even written on the back of one of my neckties. My title is also a slogan of Logan Roy, a fictional character in HBO’s tv series Succession (2018-2023). For others, it’s not. Recently, I noticed this quote by Margaret Atwood, author of The Handmaid’s Tale:
“You may not be able to alter reality, but you can alter your attitude towards it, and this, paradoxically, alters reality. Try it and see.”
A quote by Margaret Atwood from her 1983 commencement speech at the University of Toronto
The differences between both views suggest that reality is different for each person. Hence, my blog label perception versus reality. The field of cognitive science would agree as our cognitive input differs per person. Such differences follow from its definition:
“Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary, scientific study of the mind and its processes with input from linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, computer science / artificial intelligence, and anthropology.” (Wiki)
Hence, my question: what is reality??
Perhaps, we are stuck with (and cannot escape from) our individual – or micro – perception of reality. Nevertheless, in that situation there must then also be a macro reality. The discussion above is then (mostly) about (i) definitions (see my 2022 blog) and (ii) semantics. the meaning of language.
Is it even possible for humans to grasp that macro reality?? We only use a part of our sensory input. Many people only use hearing, sight, smell, touch and taste. However, these are only our basic senses. Our ratio often ignores our instinct and/or our subconscious. Our imagination roams free in our sleep.
Moreover, our beliefs regarding our micro or individual reality are an obstacle for being able and willing to grasp that macro reality. Nevertheless, our ancestors already believed in a multiverse (eg, Nine Worlds). Today, some scientists believe we might live in a parallel universe.
In my view, our beliefs in an afterlife already qualify as a belief in a multiverse and/or parallel universe. Hence, I believe in a macro and a micro reality.
I make my own reality.
In My Reality (1987) by Natalie Cole (1950-2015)
artist, lyrics, video, Wiki-artist, Wiki-album+song
In my reality
Back to my life
Yours was no good for me
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise.
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