We see things as we are
Anthony de Mello wrote, we see people and things not as they are, but as we are. And that our wisdom tends to grow in proportion to our awareness of our ignorance.
So the more we recognise our ignorance, the wiser we become. To seek truth then, question everything at least once. Because through doubt can we find undeniable truths and gain wisdom.
The practice of self-observation
Truth is the essence of who you truly are.
The Armenian philosopher, spiritual teacher and composer Gurdjieff taught the practice of self-observation. He called the discipline of attempting to awaken The Work. The work was to "work on oneself". Gurdjieff stressed self-observation must always be uncritical.
Without self-knowledge, without understanding the working and functions of his machine, man cannot be free, he cannot govern himself and he will always remain a slave. Gurdjieff
Seek truth, accept reality, and simply live
The 13th-century Persian poet and scholar Rumi wrote, when you feel a peaceful joy, that’s when you are near truth. So to live fully, we need to see clearly, and embrace the present as it is.
Nietzsche said that a man’s worth was determined by how much truth he could tolerate.
What is the highest Truth? Empty, without holiness.
Truth FAQ
What does Anthony de Mello mean by saying we see things as we are?
Anthony de Mello suggests that our perceptions of people and the world around us are filtered through our own experiences, beliefs, and identity. In other words, our individual perspectives shape the way we interpret reality, often projecting our own nature onto others.
How does recognising our ignorance contribute to wisdom?
The recognition of our ignorance is the first step towards seeking knowledge and truth. By acknowledging that we don't know everything, we open ourselves up to new learning, experiences, and perspectives. This self-awareness and continuous questioning can lead to a deeper understanding of life and wisdom.
What is 'The Work' as taught by Gurdjieff?
'The Work', as taught by Gurdjieff, is a discipline of self-observation aimed at gaining self-knowledge and achieving personal transformation. It involves a constant and uncritical observation of one’s own behaviors, thoughts, and emotions to awaken to a higher state of consciousness.
Why is self-observation critical according to Gurdjieff?
Gurdjieff believed that without self-knowledge, individuals cannot be free or govern themselves, remaining slaves to their unconscious patterns and societal conditioning. Self-observation is the tool to understand one's 'machine', i.e., the workings of one's body and mind, which is essential for true freedom.
What does Rumi say about truth and joy?
Rumi suggests that when you experience a peaceful joy, it is an indication that you are close to the truth. This implies that truth is aligned with a state of inner peace and contentment, guiding us toward living authentically and fully in the present moment.
How did Nietzsche view the capacity to tolerate truth?
Nietzsche believed that the measure of a person's worth is linked to how much truth they can tolerate. Essentially, he viewed the ability to face and accept difficult realities as a sign of strength and character.
What does the statement 'the highest Truth is empty, without holiness' mean?
This statement suggests that the ultimate truth transcends conventional notions of sanctity or reverence. It is 'empty' in the sense that it is free from biases, dogmas, and preconceived notions, presenting itself in its purest form, unclouded by human interpretations of what is sacred.
How can we seek truth according to the insights provided?
Seeking truth involves questioning our assumptions, embracing our ignorance, practicing self-observation, accepting reality, and cultivating the ability to live in the present moment. It is a process of continuous learning, self-examination, and openness to the complexities of life.
Is there a recommended way to practice self-observation?
While different teachers and traditions may offer various methods, the core idea is to observe oneself without judgment or criticism. This means being mindful of your thoughts, feelings, actions, and reactions, as if you were an impartial witness to them.
Can truth change over time?
Individual understandings and societal notions of truth can indeed evolve with new experiences and information. However, some may argue that there are fundamental truths that remain constant. The interpretation of this depends on one's philosophical or spiritual beliefs.
Can we apply this in everyday life?
Yes, these ideas can be applied in daily life by developing a deeper sense of self-awareness, living more authentically, and engaging with the world around us in a more thoughtful and conscious way.