Outside The Box Over the past few years, I've explored many things. Philosophy, meditation,
theoretical physics (just the practical application of certain theories, I am
lousy at math), ethics...you get the idea. Basically, the most prominent thing
I've learned from it all is that I really, truly enjoy being lost in thought.
I enjoy day dreaming, solving puzzles or problems, answering questions that most
wouldn't think to ask, and being creative. In fact, I have noticed that my thought
process itself has changed to the point where I apply what I have learned to any
given situation. This is a standard practice for most, but since my areas of study
differ so greatly from the majority of my peers, I find that my opinions are often
viewed with skepticism. My audience doesn't understand how I reach my conclusions,
and as I try to explain I can see them grow even more confused or uninterested.
Not all the time mind you, but I experience this reaction often enough that I
can't help but wonder "why". The irony of this is that I predicted this would
happen in my philosophy blog a few years ago: "The price one pays for thinking outside the box is the initial awkwardness they
feel while relating to those still living inside it." Now obviously, it would be easier to associate with like minded individuals who
share the same interests, but I don't wish to alienate myself from others in the
process. So, if only a few can understand how I form my opinions, does that make
my opinions "wrong"? I don't believe so. Instead, I feel the problem lies with
making my thought process relatable to others. This has proven challenging, even
when the opinion is shared. It is as though we travel vastly different roads only
to arrive at the same destination by chance. We both know how we got there, but
the journey which has heavily influences our perspectives, was very different. Example: my shirt is blue. You and I both see and believe my shirt is blue. We
both know that the manufacturer used blue dye on the fabric or thread to make it
blue...but if I were to say that the dye in the shirt only makes the shirt appear
blue because of how the light reflects off of it and how our eyes view it, but to
other animals, like the Tarsier for example, it may appear as a more intense shade
of blue or even violet because their eyes are more sensitive and pick up a wider
range of the light spectrum ...well, some would look at me as though I had 3 heads
wouldn't they? I know that I don't need to go into such detail with every topic and I can't very
well expect other people to study and take interest in the many things which help
to influence my opinions. On the other hand, to find a simpler approach while
forming some conclusions would be counterproductive. I have a deep well to draw
upon, to be forced to barely skim the surface of it would be an injustice. At this point, stumped, I attempt to pick the brains of others in search of
answers... I always try to learn and benefit from the knowledge and experience of others,
why do my peers refuse to pay me the same courtesy? Perhaps it's due to an unfair
assumption that my relatively young age suggests that I lack the life experience
to support my insight. "It is unbecoming for young men to utter maxims"
--Aristotle Or maybe Andrew Smith (author) was on to something when he said : "People fear
what they don't understand, and hate that which they cannot conquer" Could that
be the issue? Do I somehow intimidate some people simply by voicing my opinion?
I have read that there are two groups of people in regard to how they treat the
unknown: those who are inquisitive and seek clarity; and those who treat the
prospect with fear or mistrust. The former, I believe, is directly responsible
for human growth and advancement, while the latter apparently clings to our most
basic primal instinct as a defense. Honestly, I think that Albert Einstein was right on the money in regards to my
current predicament when he said: "Great spirits have always found violent
opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does
not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices, but honestly and courageously
uses his intelligence and fulfills the duty to express the results of his thought
in clear form." Contrary to popular belief, Einstein wasn't always right, but I feel he was in
this instance. In fact, after reading a few more of his quotes, I believe he
often struggled with getting his point across. "It should be possible to explain
the laws of physics to a barmaid" and "Any intelligent fool can make things
bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius... and a lot
of courage... to move in the opposite direction." are two Einstein quotes which
come to mind that make me think he has also found it challenging to make himself
understood. But, one quote of his in particular, answers my question quite well:
"If you can't explain it simply, then you don't understand it well enough." Thank you Mr. Einstein, I'll keep studying. By Patrick Moore
