Do we believe what we see, or do we see what we want to believe?

Our perspective on what is true is closely tied to our view of truth and, therefore, our beliefs, which shape the way we perceive the world.

There is a critical distinction, however, between what is true and what a person perceives as true.

“See to believe,” means that our belief is based on evidence. “Believe to see,” means that our “evidence” may well be a figment of our imagination.

Consider: Responsible self-government under the rule of law has become increasingly fragile around the world and tyranny is on the rise.

In fact, a group of Swedish researchers recently found that every region of the planet is affected by what they call “the third wave of autocracy” (government by one, despotism or tyranny).

Tyranny was first experienced on a large scale by the ancient Greeks—both from the external threat posed to their small city-states as well as the tendency of their own politics to veer between extremes of tyranny and anarchy.

The Greek philosopher Plato’s experience with tyranny seems to have motivated him to begin a school where he sought to improve citizens by philosophic (reasoned) education.

Plato discussed the violence and fraud associated with tyranny, its injustice, the absence of the rule of law, the disregard of the citizen’s good, the pursuit of pleasure and the interest of the ruler, and the employment of tools of propaganda and coercion.

Recall the inscription of the prophet Isaiah, who spoke out against corrupt leaders:

“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees and who write unjust judgments which they have prescribed to turn aside the needy from justice.” — Isaiah 10:1-2

We would do well to heed the words of Ben Franklin, “Man will ultimately be governed by God or by tyrants.”

Garry Gamble,
Grand Marais