JOURNAL #4: Inspirational Quote

Posted by Joseph Carey at Friday, June 10, 2016 11:58:19 PM

"Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view."
- Obi-Wan Kenobi

This quote comes from a character in a movie that is more than thirty years old. That
role, played by a pair of actors, is Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars franchise. Specifically,
this excerpt comes from Episode VI- Return of the Jedi, which is actually the third movie that
was made. That topic, however, is the subject of a whole other discussion. The movies
themselves are ingrained upon our modern cultural fabric. The story lines that make up the
multi-episode movie saga are just broad enough for most viewers to empathize and connect with.
Love, hate, hope, despair, victory, and defeat are all tackled in this series. Be that as it may, I
believe the age of a movie, or any source of learning for that matter, is inconsequential as long as
the words still ring true. Or as in this case, the wisdom that the quote imparts breathes an ageless
and universal sentiment. I must admit, the film this passage comes from is by no means a
favorite of mine. Often the people I drop this quotation on are perplexed that I even have it in
my arsenal. But I do not discriminate against any source when true wisdom is being shared.
I am intrigued by this particular adage for a multitude of reasons. One of them being that
the character who voices this certainty has just been called out on what most viewers would
initially say is a blatant lie. Yet I think that is too simple of a response. The recipient of this
teaching had up to that point been ill-prepared for the full truth. A truth that represents just one
example of how this character, or in a greater sense, any individual uses their exclusive
perspective to define a situation. Over time we accumulate and compound truths as we grow and
experience the world in our own unique way. Every aspect of our lives from personal to
professional, youth to longevity, local to global tends to equate to some new truth in our essential
nature. It is these principles that allow us and the lesson-learning character in this case, to
sometimes create a world view that belies the relevant facts. So often the obtuse masses cling to

their narrow and usually single-minded attitudes. Only by removing our strict adherence to any
or all accrued truths can we gain a more balanced perspective. I believe that if society at large
would do just that, we would be able to regard humanity as the multifaceted organism that it
truly is. If the populace could just gain an understanding of the wisdom revealed by this quote,
perhaps we could rid ourselves of so many of the ugly "-isms" that plague us.
If looked at earnestly, the declaration instantly opens up a closed-minded point of view.
The observer is forced to readily admit that whatever the subject or focus is, that there are many,
if not infinite, ways to look at it. The logic behind the quote manufactures a thought process that
disallows a purely selfish angle and encourages the individual to recognize that they are more
than just an audience of one. I believe this quote can be a vehicle of an almost forced
enlightenment. I say almost because there is obviously no pressure born upon anyone.
However, once en-countered, any person who does in fact come across and understand its
message can no longer claim ignorance. If that person is being honest and true to themselves,
than a single-minded attitude towards their world is no longer an option.
The practice of treating any everyday opportunity or situation as one that is probably
viewed quite differently by somebody else, is an established function of the way I interact with
my world. As I mentioned above, simply comprehending the quote forces a degree of
enlightenment. Unconsciously, and through no account of my own, I have become a somewhat
better person. All the same, I am in no way declaring myself to be better than anyone. However,
I do make a vigilant effort to refer back to this piece of wisdom often in my life. Specifically, I
employ the power of this insight when heavy decisions are to be made. It helps me posit
alternate assumptions and guesses that lead me down various trains of thought. Some of them
are valid and some are not. Regardless, it is a useful exercise. It also helps me be a little more
realistic as I envision the possible outcomes of making certain decisions. This quotation may not
be the answer to all of my or the world's woes, but I certainly believe that its wisdom can make
any individual a better human.