All Truth Passes Through Three Stages

"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."

 Arthur Schopenhauer, German philosopher (1788 – 1860)

It's amazing to me how this simple quote unpacks so much in our history as human beings. I'm sure it doesn't take long to find recent examples where this plays out on a larger scale. The notion that our climate is changing and not in a good way went through these three phases, and some groups are still stuck in phase two. The idea that Donald Trump-like him or not--is the Republican front-runner and some groups are still stuck in phase 1.

But let's discuss how this applies on a micro level, where we have more control and influence in our little corner of the world. I have noticed that some people would rather live a lie than deal with truth, because of the painful nature that truth can reveal. Whether it's health, financial, or relational, we all go through trials where we have to face the truth and accept it.

Once we have exhausted all of the emotional options given our circumstances and begin to accept the truth, that's where real healing and change can begin. In most cases, it usually takes outside influences to help cope with the truth and can shorten the process. When in the throes of our predicament, we want to believe that we are the only ones who ever experienced this situation, but the reality is that someone has been through or is going through what is happening right now.

The sooner we embrace and accept the truth, the sooner we can heal and grow, and the stronger we become from the experience. Strength does not come from achievements, strength comes when we are in the pit of our difficulties and are forced to work it out.

What truths are you ridiculing, or are violently opposed to?

Original article: https://walking-in-love.net/start-here/f/all-truth-passes-through-three-stages