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"تناقضات وجود ندارند هر زمان فکر کردید با یک تناقض روبرو هستید مفروضات خود را بررسی کنید"

Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand Novelist
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Quote meaning
Let's dive into the core of this idea. Essentially, the quote is suggesting that contradictions are not real; they are merely illusions that happen when our underlying assumptions or premises are flawed. If we ever find ourselves facing what seems like a contradiction, it’s a sign that we need to re-examine our fundamental beliefs or assumptions to uncover the error.

This idea originates from the philosophy of Objectivism, developed by Ayn Rand. She believed that reality is objective and absolute, and contradictions cannot exist in an objective reality. When something seems contradictory, it means our understanding is off track.

To break this down with an example: Imagine you’re working on a project at work. You’re convinced that your colleague, Alex, is trustworthy and diligent. However, Alex misses a crucial deadline, which seems completely out of character. You might think, "This is a contradiction! Alex is diligent, but also missed the deadline." According to the quote, this means you need to check your premises. Maybe Alex had an unexpected personal emergency, or perhaps there was a misunderstanding about the deadline. The contradiction isn't real—there’s just some piece of the puzzle you’re missing.

How do you apply this in real life? Start by questioning the assumptions you hold. If you’re confused, think about what you believe to be true and see if there’s a flawed premise in there. Let's say you’re struggling with a decision because both options seem equally bad. You might be assuming that those are your only two options. Challenge that premise. Is there a third option you haven’t considered? Maybe seeking advice from a friend or looking at the problem from a different angle can reveal new possibilities.

Here's a relatable scenario that might hit home: Imagine you're at a crossroads with your career. You love your job, but it doesn't pay enough. You think, "I can't have a fulfilling job that also pays well." This feels like a contradiction. But if you check your premises, you might realize you're holding onto outdated beliefs about your industry or your own worth. Maybe you haven’t explored all your options—like negotiating a raise, looking for a higher-paying position within the same field, or even developing new skills to increase your market value.

Think about a time you felt stuck because of a seeming contradiction. Remember that argument with your friend where they said one thing but did the opposite? "They said they care about me, but they didn’t show up when I needed them." Rather than writing it off as a contradiction, question the premise. Maybe the friend wanted to be there but had an unavoidable conflict or didn’t know the extent of your need. When you dig into the premises, you often find a clearer picture.

In sum, the wisdom here is to always question the foundation of your thoughts when faced with contradictions. Life is complex, and our initial perceptions can be misleading. By being curious and open-minded, we can uncover the real truth and move forward more effectively. So next time you’re puzzled, remember: check those premises!
Related tags
Critical thinking Epistemology Intellectual honesty Logic Philosophy Rational thinking Reason
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