Embracing the Spectrum of Understanding - A Reflection on Diverse Perspectives of Truth

It is my opinion that everything in life exists on a spectrum.

Everything. Even binary computing (0, 1) is just one of many computing capabilities, each uniquely capable and holding different benefits. Ternary and quantum computing are not better or worse, but exist on the spectrum.

Because of this - I do not believe any lens of the world should exist in binary values, either, as it doesn’t allow for the full depth and breadth of the universe and beliefs, values, ethics, etc..

I Offer a Film Analogy

As a movie buff, I can iterate this with film throughout time - starting out with black and white, often silent films. While capturing a spectrum of the truth and imagination, these films were a moment captured in time unlike any before it.

However, sepia tone and cell shading practices started to bring color to an otherwise shallow gradient, and music evoked more depth. Another version of the truth, however still dulled from the beauty which is full spectrum.

The world is a colorful spectrum of experiences, beliefs, and culture, and the lenses in which we use to view humanity should be the same. Color films, even color cartoons, were a huge shift in human culture within the last century.

Did you know the first color broadcast couldn’t even be seen by most viewers because - IF one existed in their home, televisions were not even capable of color displays? The first national color broadcast occurred on 1 January 1954, but it wouldn't be until the late 60’s that even one third of homes had color sets, and the mid 80’s before it was an overwhelming majority. [1]

Prompt: Hardcopy film strip being viewed through light imagined through Midjourney

Cultural Shifts and Human Experience

Imagine the cultural shifts humanity has experienced in the last century. From the Polaroid to cellular devices, billions of photos and videos are being made each day. These moments all exist on a spectrum, too. Good, bad, funny, horrible, beautiful, or otherwise.

Your right may be someone else’s wrong. But really, there is no right or wrong… There is a spectrum with values such as motives, intents, actions, words, beliefs, practices, traditions, understanding, knowledge, and each will be unique. Perhaps similar, humans ultimately have different shades of spectrum. Even if a belief is shared, the reason for it likely isn’t, and therefore a different shade of the same color; life's infinite spectrums.

Reflection

Do you know what lens you are using? What colored it, shaped or shaded it? Is your lens clouded by poor judgment or bias, or are you viewing all spectrums of truth through it? Is it even possible to?

I am still learning what has shaped mine, and am willing to change my views when faced with moments or information which reflect truth. If there is perhaps something which is outside of my field of vision, or understanding, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, but I may need to change my scope or perspective to better see it.

Some people will never see the color green. That doesn’t mean green does not exist. Or that green is bad. Or green is some kind of special. It is just…. Green. But when you start to evaluate green you’ll find an infinite amount of it exists on that spectrum.

I am willing to share my spectrum with you; if you’re willing to share your spectrum with me.

I hope to honor and understand, and embrace others' perspectives in order to encourage and contribute to productive discussions.

Thanks for reading, friends.

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