Universal Down

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

“The Problem Recipe:

Assumption as Standard: The issue begins with assumptions we believe to be universally true but actually aren’t. For example, it’s generally assumed that all people have two eyes. However, this isn’t always the case.

Knee-jerk Reaction/Misperception: Imagine you’re discussing this assumption loudly when suddenly, a person with an eye patch walks by. This unexpected encounter challenges your assumption.

Cover-up: In a quick attempt to save face, you might blurt out something illogical, like, “Oh yes, only dogs. I guess all have two eyes,” trying to cover your initial mistake.

Fear of Discovery: Later, when recounting the events of the day to your wife, you downplay the incident, mentioning only, “saw a nice fellow with an eye patch,” avoiding the awkwardness of your earlier comment.

Ignorance Inducing: This pattern of covering up and simplifying might continue, leading you to repeat the story without addressing the initial flawed assumption. You might keep telling this version of the story for the rest of your life.

This example, while oversimplified, illustrates how easily we can perpetuate ignorance by clinging to false assumptions and avoiding uncomfortable truths.

Broader Implications: Not all situations are this benign. In more serious contexts, such misperceptions and the unwillingness to correct them can have profound, lasting consequences.

Universal Down: This term suggests the importance of challenging and correcting fallacies wherever we find them, promoting a more thoughtful and accurate understanding of the world around us.”