As we continue to navigate the murky waters of fact, opinion and perspective \u2014 and yes, murky because we oft confuse the three \u2014 some subjects become more challenging to discuss. In fact, I saw a meme this week that prompted me pause; it metaphorically suggested that the weatherman\u2019s job isn\u2019t to present the options of both rain and shine; it\u2019s to look out the window and see which one is true. Granted, the poster didn\u2019t acknowledge that if you look out a different window in another direction, one might see something that\u2019s different but also true at the exact same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allow us, therefore, a brief review of the above three factors, almost always in play\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
fact<\/strong> | fak(t) | – noun \u2014<\/em> a thing that is known or proved to be true: he ignores some historical and economic facts | a body of fact.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n opinion<\/strong> | \u0259\u02c8piny(\u0259)n | – noun \u2014<\/em> a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge: I’m writing to voice my opinion on an issue of great importance | that, in my opinion, is dead right.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n perspective<\/strong> | p\u0259r\u02c8spektiv | – noun \u2014<\/em> a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view: most guidebook history is written from the editor’s perspective.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Preference and conviction also play a role in the visibility of our murky waters, but for purposes of brevity in this conversation we will rely on fact (what is true), <\/em>opinion (what we think is true), <\/em>and perspective (the direction we look in for truth, shaped by our individual experience).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In our blogging existence, we\u2019ve addressed this issue multiple times from multiple angles, and yet, we still mess with the murky; we still each fall prey to mixing up each of the above. And because we feel deeply, passionately, emphatically, we convince ourselves that we are ever discerning of which is which\u2026 when we\u2019re not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hence, to address once more, we decided to employ a new, creative, original angle\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n How and why we mistake the above\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 including an admission of our blind spot and why that\u2019s a problem\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFact, Opinion and Perspective,\u201d all courtesy of the one and only ChatGPT\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n We mix them up because it’s easy to do, When we mistake a fact for an opinion\u2019s claim, The blind spot appears when we don\u2019t see the twist, Not realizing we\u2019re mixing them up\u2014oh, that\u2019s the trap! Here\u2019s to unmurkying the waters\u2026 and also making difficult subjects easier to discuss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As we continue to navigate the murky waters of fact, opinion and perspective \u2014 and yes, murky because we oft confuse the three \u2014 some subjects become more challenging to discuss. In fact, I saw a meme this week that prompted me pause; it metaphorically suggested that the weatherman\u2019s job isn\u2019t to present the options … <\/p>\n
When we talk about truths, it\u2019s all blurred through.
Sometimes we say “I think” and then we get loud,
And people start thinking that we’re speaking proud.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It can lead to confusion, and no one\u2019s to blame.
But if we confuse perspective with solid proof,
It can lead to arguments that don\u2019t have a roof.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we confuse what’s real with what\u2019s on our list.
If we call opinions facts, we’re sure to mislead,
And forget that perspectives are not a creed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
It leaves us in loops, caught in a gap.
So, next time you speak, be sure to define,
Is it a fact, an opinion, or perspective you\u2019re trying to shine?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n