We all like to think we are right most of the time, if not always. It's in our nature to assume that our version of the truth is the correct one and the definite ultimatum in regards to the world around us. But let's face it, we all feel that we are right, at least sometimes, or else we wouldn't have anything to base our thoughts, beliefs or opinions on. However, we rarely pause to consider the following:

Does another have to be wrong for me to be right?

I think not. Life in itself is a game of perception. We are shaped by our history and experience, and this in itself becomes an essential part of how we perceive the world. Our outlook, however unintentional, is irreparably shaped by our experiences, our faith and our knowledge. These accumulations of mismatched instances help us to become who we are, which in turn creates nearly seven billion different perspectives around the world, all searching for the same answers and the convictions of their rightness.

Humanity seeks the truth in all matters, from the simplest of concepts to the most extensive, incomprehensible experiences of the universe. However, we are frequently caught up in this false dichotomy of truth, thinking that it is either right oir wrong. This way of thinking is fallacious, as it guides us to the assumption that for one to be right another must be wrong.

Alas, however simple and relieving, this thought process disregards the effect of experience on perception. The ways in which we think cannot compare absolutely with the thoughts of any other, which, in life as a gamer of perception, creates the near impossibility of an absolute truth, due to the perpetual shaping of interpretation by experience.

How can one say another is wrong when their perception is different? How can one perception be proven more valuable than another?

Consider this. Even if two individuals share the same experience, their reactions and interpretations vary. If this statement holds true, with both experiencing the exact same thing, then are their disagreements in occurrences valid? I think so.

The curse of humanity is the inescapability of self-centeredness. Realistically, we cannot explore any perspective other than our own simply due to the personal nature of human consciousness. You are yourself, plain and simple, and this is simply fact. You cannot be anyone else truly, as it is inevitable that you and another will encounter some sort of significant differences in your experiences and interpretations.

My point is simply this: do not discount the beliefs of others simply due to differences from your own. It is more than likely that neither of you can claim the title of right or wrong, but instead fall into some grey area in which right and wrong due not exist without the parameter of perspective. I encourage all of you to consider the world as if within this grey area and continue to evaluate the potential and value of each perspective in any situation.