Science of Proof and the Search for Knowing
“Where’s the evidence?” is a question I often hear. It’s one filled with subtext, the purpose of which is to deflect or delay a necessary process of making room in one’s mind for a possible, even probable truth. For the stubborn skeptic (though no skeptic ever admits to being stubborn), even when vast amounts of evidence are shown, it is never enough. It’s only anecdotal, it’s not scientific (whose science?), it’s CGI or deepfake…
Well, no matter. In this new realm we find ourselves in, no proof is conclusive anymore. Thus, true discernment is now the ability to listen without prejudice or judgement, regardless of what proof exists. “Wait, do you actually believe this?” is another question I’m often asked. Well, just as with the need for conclusive evidence, the relevance of our beliefs to these type of discussions is swiftly eroding.
No one is asking you to believe anything, but can you make room for the possibility? Can you refrain from judgement till you’ve gained sufficient understanding of this subject? If not, why? Is it an issue of bandwidth? When is the right time to consider an expansion, or a simple de-cluttering, of our minds?
No one is calling for blind faith. Indeed, a distinction has to be made between faith and conviction. My observation is that faith is often applied in relation to an outside entity. Conviction comes from within, an inner knowing. We are usually asked by others to have faith, whereas inner conviction can only come from ourselves.
Now, marry inner conviction with the unearthing of evidence through research, and we have a potent concoction. But isn’t this confirmation bias? Well, I would suggest the dismissal of a possibility due to skeptical reluctance can also be such. Those who don’t want to believe something tend to look for evidence that it’s not true. Beliefs can be indoctrinated, knowing cannot. Knowing comes from inner conviction, which only strengthens with every bit of evidence one gathers.
So I no longer need or want to believe. I simply have a desire to know, and continue to hold space for possibilities that resonate.
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