Fake Realities – Whose Life Are We Living?

By Tuula Pere

April 1^st, 2019

Fake Realities – Whose Life Are We Living?

Recently, there has been a lot of talk about fake news and alternative facts. I would say, that’s just the top of the iceberg.

In fact, we are offered whole mental packages to fill our minds and create models for living. It’s not only detailed in knowledge, suggestions, or inspiration we are offered. We are surrounded by complete lifestyle models, roles of being a good parent or employer, guidelines for taking care of our body and soul.

What’s wrong with that? We can think and choose ourselves, you might say. But are we able to do that?

The surrounding pressure is immense. We are surrounded by so much information all the time, that we are at risk of drowning in it. Information and knowledge are needed, of course. They form a basis of understanding, which again is the basis of our actions. But there is a risk that we are following the patterns given to us from outside. That can lead to living somebody else’s life!

The first crucial thing in being masters of our own life is the quality of the facts we receive. Who are behind them, for what purpose is the information delivered to us? Equally important is our ability to understand, sort out and fit the details into the big picture. Easier said than done.

Who can we trust as sources; authorities, politicians, media, various experts or trusted friends? Some pessimists say they don’t trust anyone else but themselves. They see the world filled with secret societies and conspiracies, manipulators of every sort. That kind of lonely rider is certainly alone in the middle of the puzzled world. After all, we have to dare to step out and cooperate with the world around us.

To be able to be our real selves takes a lot of courage, knowledge, and energy. The lazy solution is to accept the pictures and scenes shown to us just like that. To swallow without chewing can be dangerous, though! The acceptance or recommendation of others is not a guarantee that the model is right or good for us. We have to know ourselves well enough to do the right thing!

Let’s take enough time to develop ourselves as individuals. Also, the adults better do so! The school of life is never over! Keeping some of that childish curiosity and wondering keeps our brain and heart in action when we face the complexity of society.