Life is About Perspective
November 6, 2024
Publisher’s Note
Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com
“You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.”
― Daniel Patrick Moynihan
——-
Life is all about perspective
At the time of this writing, we do not know the results of the National US Election. Such is the challenge of publishing a weekly periodical that goes out every Wednesday at 4:15 AM. Nevertheless, as I write this column, I can’t help but feel anxious because this election feels very, very different from every other. The United States is at a critical intersection of two different paths with predictable outcomes.
No matter the results, the exact same election will be perceived in very different ways
Our understanding and experience of reality is shaped by how we interpret and process what we encounter. Perception is a very human experience that includes our senses, thoughts, emotions, and cultural influences, which form our understanding of the world and our place in it. This subjective process, however, doesn’t relieve one of a personal responsibility to find and understand the truth. As the saying goes, “you are entitled to your own opinion but not your own facts.”
Politicians Lie
Of course, most if not all politicians lie. Political figures often make exaggerated or false claims to appeal to voters, boost popularity or undercut opponents. Even so, this election season has been extraordinary with video clips used out of context or false statements repeated as if found in a gospel.
Echo Chambers & Propaganda
In addition, the media has gone along for the ride. To retain a loyal audience, many media outlets have catered to the extreme beliefs of their viewership even if it means omitting or distorting facts. In today’s 24-hour news cycle, this often results in inaccuracies or exaggerated details which compromise the truth. Since the media is the one place citizens historically have gone for honesty, this has caused a huge dilemma and furthered an unsurprising deep distrust of institutions.
Election Fatigue
At the end of the day, we are all fatigued by nonstop political emails, texts, commercials and every other possible form of messaging. Most are ready to move on, and no matter what the outcome, it is our hope that this is accomplished quickly and peacefully for the benefit of everyone.
These are not normal times and this not a normal election.
- To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website: GlobalCommonCents.com
- For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog: JeffCorbett.com
