Certainty Vs. Doubt
When someone dwells on the ideals of relationship between certainty and doubt, they are commonly taken aback by such a harsh concept. Some would feel almost insulted that another would even dare to question their beliefs. After hours, maybe days of the idea settling in their mind they really do not have one answer, rather than a thousand questions. Some might say, “Why am I not completely convinced of my own thoughts?” For example Thomas Edison, the man who invented the light bulb and electricity had only been in 3 months of official schooling as a child, but his mother Nancy was certain and confident that her son was a pure genius, and she was absolutely correct. To say you doubt something is admitting you do not know it all; If I feel I know something well, can I also say I might be wrong? Yes. Questioning myself is the strongest form of certainty because it means taking a chance on my spirit, body, and mind that what I believe is true; while having a reflection that if I were truly confident I wouldn’t have to justify myself to anyone. It would just be -and be perfectly.
Are we afraid of what the truth might hold? Or what it could have to offer? Is the absolute truth too much to take in? Has life proven to us that we should always doubt before we believe? Unfortunately no one has ever discovered the real explanation for any of these questions. So, go back to the days in the 16th century when the British parliament courts would say, “You are guilty until proven innocent” or is the American way better “You are innocent until proven guilty?” It truly is all in someone’s belief. The beauty of this world is that not everyone has to be convinced of the same thing. Different morals, thoughts, actions are all going to differ based on what life has shown them. Life has given people a fear of being wrong; to be right they must doubt. Its understandable, no one enjoys being wrong. But people do not see that every wrong move is a try, a try that is going to get them that much closer to the truth. Do not have fear of being let down. Certainty in one concept and then doubting the same concept the next day is when great philosophies are born.
On April 20th of 2012 my parents told me they were getting separated and my mom was moving out immediately. I thought it was just a rough patch. I was so hurt and ominous towards life, but then I tricked myself into believing “No! They love each other, they wont go through with a divorce.” I was certain it wouldn’t happen. Now I have my doubts. In some poignant cases love, faith, and hope just isn’t enough.
William Lyon writes, “You can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything, including those things that other people are certain are impossible.” Certainty and doubt are like yin and yang. They will always go together in perfect harmony yet totally contradicting one another. The push and pull of each other is what makes our minds pump with brilliance. Like the cool ocean waves, gravity setting itself one way then redirecting itself to the opposite. You cannot have one without the other. Do not trick others into believing otherwise. The only emotion stronger than fear is: hope. Doubt and confusion is a natural instinct of man. Doubt is constantly running through our heads, but it is hope, faith, and certainty keeps everyone at a balance.
The intangible truth is somewhere waiting to be found and when it is, it will be greater, more infinite and unimaginable than man could ever be capable to wrap their heads around. Many great philosophers disagree with certainty over doubt such as Voltaire he stated boldly, “Doubt is not a pleasant condition but certainty is an absurd one.” Voltaire thinks people are too ignorant for their own good. Doubt is an open door in someone’s mind that virtually anyone can run into and change an opinion. It is not a pleasant place to be so maybe that’s why so many people believe. That could be the easy way out for them. But is it harder to reject or trust? It’s harder to trust, so when masses of people all believe in the One, who is anyone to bring them down off that happy high? No one has that right. Do not be the depressing pessimistic to the world that still considers the good in everything. Let them live in their certainty.
An anonymous person once shared that, “You should set out to be, without doubt, undoubtedly.” Bottom line is no one is going to have complete certainty or doubt in their minds because it is only human nature to question and have an inquiry mindset to all matters of our world. We all belong together in this place, and doubt, reason, faith, certainties are all subjects that we will have different views on and feel as if we are standing lonesome with them. But we are not. We stand together perfectly imperfect with our heads held high in unity and prosperity to one day find out who was right.
