Stephen Podwojski: Beer, Plato and finding the real truth

I like to hear the truth. It is nice to be able to hear something for what it really is. I recall many years ago listening to a spirited discussion by two of my high school friends. All three of us were sophomores in college, and we were drinking beers at the former Downtown Lounge on Cherry Street. We were well into our second pitcher of beer.

The discussion between my two friends was sophomoric college philosophical banter about reality versus perception. I sat bemused and slightly intoxicated as I listened to both of them talk about how “real” was the beer that sat in front of us. What was playing out between my friends was something much like Plato’s "Allegory of the Cave." To some degree, Plato was relaying his views on the differing layers of perceived reality (shadow images) versus when one sees that “the sun is in the visible realm” (true reality). At some point, I poured the last of the beer into my glass and began swilling it down. My two friends stopped their discussion to look at me as I finished the last of the beer in chug-like fashion. I looked at both of them and said something akin to: “I just finished your perception and your reality of beer. Now who’s buying the next round?”

My senses told me that the beer was real based on my buzz, my semi-full stomach and the lucidity that comes from that mild drunk. Reality is the basis for truth. So, what have we made of truth these days? It appears to be hidden behind layers of self-proclaimed faux genius, cringe worthy conspiracy theories or someone’s false interpretations of “God’s” will. Many know nothing about the truth because they appear to allegedly find it in some useless meme that espouses their mindset. Let me be clear — denial of truth cuts both ways, whether you are a righty or a lefty.

I can tolerate opinions, but not lies. My mind dismisses a person’s “truth” when I know their perception isn’t fact-based. In effect, there are different levels of flawed perceptions. I start with the idea that a person is perhaps misinformed. Or maybe they are unable to process the data that determines their incorrect premise. Or they are lying to avoid repercussions. Or they have faith-based their falsehood to a charlatan. Or they are evil. More on being evil later.

I know I can be wrong. I can admit when I am wrong. This is the key to accepting a truth. You have to be willing to admit that you can be wrong. No one is infallible. Now can you say the same about yourself? Can you admit that you are wrong? Many can’t and won’t. The best example of this can be related to self-introspection. When was the last time you were so sure of a truth or a fact, only to be proven wrong? How did that make you feel?  And when you catch someone who is clearly wrong and you won with the REAL truth, you probably felt a sadistic jolt of elation. Yes, you felt genuine glee that you were right and they were wrong. It’s akin to the statement of “I told you so” handed out like a lash of a whip.

So, to be clear, no one likes the feeling of being wrong. Which means we try to avoid that feeling at all cost. We have also misplaced that feeling of being right about something to the point that we will bludgeon another with our truth and many times, more ignorantly, our perception of the truth. Everyone has a right to an opinion. But an opinion is a far cry from reality. What about telling a blatant lie? You have heard the term about drinking the Kool-Aid. It means to blindly follow a lie.  A lie, so egregious, that it forces acceptance of bitter poison to support some buffoonery perpetuated upon ignorant masses. In that case, some should just circle back to most organized religions and understand that these liars are breaking a commandment. Unfortunately, I know, too, many alleged religious zealots and regular miscreants that are knowingly lying every day. And in my secular world that makes you evil. Is that too harsh or judgmental? Probably but I don’t need to search down dark alley ways to seek some misinformation to support a flawed view of the world.

On some rare occasions, I try to point out the obvious misinformation or the lie to educate, but many are too far gone for such practices. “Never attempt to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and annoys the pig.” (Robert Heinlein). Heinlein’s quote clearly exemplifies a truth “in the visible realm.”

Stephen Podwojski is a retired, well-traveled hotel consultant and training specialist. He is also a writer on the Community Roundtable.

This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Stephen Podwojski: Beer, Plato and finding the real truth