It is crucial that we keep on talking about our intended, expected, experienced and observed realities. We must continue giving meaning to our own realities. Shared realities keep us connected, and support our safety and our resilience. We must keep our campfires alive.
Reality is that which continues to exist, whether you believe in it or not. (Paraphrased Philip K. Dick).
Everyday Common-Sense view
In a common sense, daily operational view, reality is everything that exists, regardless of whether we are aware of it of believe it. This includes physical objects, people, places, events—anything you can touch, see, hear, or measure.
Scientific view
From a scientific point of view, reality is what can be objectively observed, measured, and tested. Science often tries to describe the underlying nature of physical reality. But science also tells us our perceptions can be misleading: what we see or feel isn’t always a direct reflection of what’s really out there.
Our perceptions can be misleading. What we see or feel isn’t always a direct reflection of what’s really out there.
Subjective view
Reality can also be what you personally experience is. Emotions, thoughts, dreams, and perceptions are “real” to you, even if they don’t correspond to something physical or external. This subjective reality can differ from person to person.
Philosophical view
Philosophers have wrestled with the nature of reality for centuries. A few notable views:
- Realism: There is a reality independent of our minds.
- Idealism: Reality is fundamentally mental or spiritual — what exists is shaped by consciousness.
- Phenomenalism: We can only talk meaningfully about reality as we experience it; things only “exist” as phenomena of perception.
- Simulation Hypothesis: Some argue reality could be a simulation — our perceived world is just data and code in a vast computational system. Think of ‘The Matrix’.
There is no single truth about reality. There always are various realities observed, experienced, intended and expected. The only logical way to deal with reality is to explore it and give meaning to it, together.
What really might help here is the power of wondering and imagination!
“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.”
Nikos Kazantzakis
Greek Philosopher and author