The Hidden Truths Behind What We Believe: How Subjectivity and Language Shape Our Reality

What we believe to be true is often filtered through layers of subjectivity and language that shape our reality in profound ways. This blog unpacks the hidden mechanisms behind subjective truths and artificial constructs, revealing their impact on our personal and collective lives.

Morality: A Fluid Compass

Morality is not a fixed set of universal truths but a dynamic system shaped by cultural norms, social cohesion, and evolving values. Practices once taboo may become accepted, and vice versa, reflecting group identities and power structures. Understanding morality's fluidity helps us appreciate diverse perspectives and navigate ethical dilemmas with empathy.

Desirability and Value: Socially Constructed Realities

What we desire and how we assign value are deeply influenced by social proof, branding, and cultural narratives. A product's worth often transcends its physical attributes, embodying status, identity, and aspiration. Financial markets reflect collective beliefs about rarity and significance, illustrating how perception shapes economic realities.

Language: The Architect of Artificial Truths

Language constructs realities by defining concepts, framing debates, and naming phenomena. Social constructs like money, nations, and rights exist because of collective agreement, not physical reality. Changing definitions can shift societal attitudes and policies, demonstrating language's power to create and reshape truths.

Names and Framing: Influencing Perception

The names we assign carry emotional resonance and influence acceptance. Political labels, brand names, and rebranding efforts shape public opinion and identity. Ethical awareness of naming and framing empowers us to communicate responsibly and critically evaluate messages.

By unveiling these hidden layers, we equip ourselves to question assumptions, embrace complexity, and foster respectful dialogue in a world where truths are many and varied.

Sources: Princeton University Press on truth and democracy 1 , How Communication Works blog on social constructs 2 , Lifehack communication books 4