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Strong belief can overcome monumental obstacles. Whether religious or secular in nature, commitment to a specific ideal or series of idyllic models is not only a lifeline during troubled times, but essential for personal continuity and purpose. Hopes and dreams support and propel us toward the future even when the past and/or present are grim.
Faith doesn’t necessarily depend on visual or physical cues, rather an innate sense of being, an awareness of self and others – family, friends, the world around us. The 17th century French mathematician and philosopher Rene Descartes defined it in a cogent phrase… “I think, therefore I am.”
In order to prove reality, Descartes believed he should attempt to doubt everything around him including his own existence. However, the conundrum of doubting his existence involved thinking about the issue and therefore, he reasoned, proved his existence. This circular logic dispelled the notion that his existence was simply an easily distorted sensory effect and not authentic. After all, Descartes asserted, although you may be deceived by your senses – what you see or hear – the act of thinking about it confirms your existence.
Leaving hair-splitting arguments behind, even in prior centuries without modern conveniences, computers, internet, near-instant communication and extensive transportation, debates of what constitutes reality raged. It appears that agreement of basic and fundamental facts is not necessarily universal. Belief that this question is simply a philosopher’s quandary that has little to do with ordinary life is misleading… it is critical for common welfare.
Should we follow a set of agreed upon facts to come to a conclusion or create “facts” to support a predetermined result? Democracy demands a thought process that builds from its base while authoritarianism employs a top-down scenario. Rules and institutions exist under the premise that since we believe and think about this idea, it exists – we think it and therefore it is! Without this fundamental agreement that engenders faith and trust, it will not stand.
At this moment it is easy, and even reasonable, to doubt the validity and existence of our way of life as a democracy. However, as long as we continue to believe and have faith in the intent of the basic principles and balance of individual and societal freedom, our system will survive.
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