IS REALITY EVEN REAL?
written by: Moitreyo
@oyertiom
“There are no facts, only interpretations.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Is reality even real? A question each one of us at some point of life asks ourselves. “Is this even real?”
What indeed is reality? Something we perceive to be the truth or fact. But to be precise, there is nothing as fact, it is merely our interpretation. Interpretations made on conditioning of our brains, our beliefs. The real reality is within. What we see is an illusion, and only reflects what our brain is capable of showing us via its own mechanisms.
Two persons rarely have the same perceptions of reality; therefore we live in a countless mirage of perceptions where reality is a mere illusion, nothing more. Where would we find reality in the vast ocean of perceptions? Isn’t it an impossible task to find reality? So, the question is, do we live our whole lives in mere perception, without once knowing reality? Or does reality even exist?
So, can it be said that we alone create our own realities according to our beliefs, thoughts & conditioning. If it’s true, then an optimistic mind with hope, love & compassion creates a positive reality whereas a negative mind with fear, hate & despair creates a negative reality.
“What we think, we become” – Buddha
This has been aptly depicted in the movie Rashomon, by the master film maker Akira Kurosawa & Sidney Lumet’s 12 Angry Men. The mirage of perceptions.
So, if there is no absolute reality as such, merely just perceptions, why not create a positive beautiful one? If everything is a mere illusion & we’re the ones creating our own illusions & experiencing it ourselves, why not create a positive one rather than a negative one?
I’ve been deeply influenced by an Anime series, Naruto. It has taught me lessons in life. It has inspired me throughout with its innocent teachings. It has innocently taught me great philosophies in simple tales. And one of my favorite characters in the series was Itachi Uchiha. One of his quotes:
“People live their Lives bound by what they accept as correct and true. That is how they define “Reality”. But what does it mean to be “correct” or “true”? They are merely vague concepts… Their “Reality” may all be a mirage. Can we consider them to be simply living in their own world, shaped by their beliefs?” – Itachi Uchiha
I do not claim to give a conclusion to this question; even I’m in search for answers. But contemplating on this question for these many years, with the little life experience that I had, I can say that reality is a mere perception. Each one of us has different one, we create our own perceptions & in the process our own realities. An illusion we create to experience it ourselves.
I’m in a quest for thought & of the right words. I believe defining something is limiting its infinite potential. But yes, opinions, perspectives & ideas, that’s a constant when it comes to me as a person. I’ve always been in love with stories; tend to have a knack of finding them in odd places. Bibliophile/Cinephile/Otaku/History buff/Gooner are some shades.
I tend to find my solace in the warmth of poetry, the peace of a book, the ecstasy of a football match & the high of music. As they say, “The round peg in the square hole… The misfit”…
- IS REALITY EVEN REAL? - September 17, 2017
