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"چنین حقیقتی که با سود یا لذت هیچ کسی مخالفت نکند برای همه مردمان خوشایند است."

Thomas Hobbes
Thomas Hobbes Philosopher
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Quote meaning
When we hear that people are happy to accept a truth that doesn't interfere with their own interests or enjoyment, it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it? We all love hearing what aligns with our desires. This idea is all about human nature—how we’re naturally inclined to embrace truths that don’t challenge our comfort zones. It’s like when someone tells you that you don’t need to exercise to stay healthy. It sounds great because it doesn’t demand any change or effort from you.

This concept can be traced back to various philosophical discussions. It’s not new. Throughout history, thinkers have pointed out how people prefer truths that are convenient and unthreatening. For example, in the Renaissance period, thinkers like Machiavelli noted how rulers and the public alike would prefer truths that didn’t upheave their power or daily lives. It’s a universal observation about human behavior, highlighting our tendency to avoid discomfort.

Imagine you’re at work. Your boss says the company is doing great and there’s no need for layoffs. Everyone’s relieved—who wouldn’t be? Now, contrast this with a scenario where your boss announces budget cuts and potential layoffs. The truth in the second scenario, though maybe necessary, is hard to swallow. People would much prefer the first scenario because it doesn’t threaten their livelihood.

To apply this idea in your own life, consider how you react to different pieces of information. Are you more accepting of truths that don’t disrupt your routine or challenge your beliefs? Self-awareness can help you understand your biases. It’s important to seek out and accept truths, even if they’re uncomfortable. Growth often comes from facing difficult realities. So, next time you hear something that makes you uneasy, take a moment to ponder it rather than dismiss it outright.

Let me share a story to bring this to life. Imagine Jane, an avid runner. She loves her daily jogs and believes it’s the best way to stay fit. One day, her friend Mark, a physiotherapist, tells her that her running style is causing long-term damage to her knees. Jane’s first reaction is to resist—she’s been running for years and it’s her favorite activity. But after thinking it over, she decides to listen to Mark and adjust her running technique, even though it’s uncomfortable at first. Eventually, Jane realizes that this change not only prevents injury but also improves her overall performance.

This story shows how difficult it can be to accept truths that challenge our habits or beliefs. But, as Jane discovered, facing such truths can lead to better outcomes in the long run. So, think about areas in your life where you might be ignoring uncomfortable truths. It could be related to your health, finances, or even relationships. Embrace the discomfort and see where it leads you. You might find that the initial unease is worth the positive change that follows.
Related tags
Acceptance Comfort Consensus Human nature Motivations Pleasure Profit Self-interest Truth Welcome
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