Understanding and Truth: Lessons from Bob Ong
Bob Ong once wrote in Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas:
“Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t make it a lie. And not everything you can understand is the truth.”
This thought-provoking quote reminds us that life, knowledge, and perception are complex. Our understanding is limited, and clarity does not always equal truth. What seems confusing or mysterious may hold validity, while what appears simple may be misleading.
Why Understanding and Truth Differ
We often equate comprehension with correctness, but reality is rarely that simple. Life presents ideas, events, and people that challenge our assumptions. Recognizing that understanding and truth are not always aligned allows us to approach the world with curiosity, humility, and openness.
By embracing uncertainty, we become more thoughtful, empathetic, and wise in our interactions and judgments.
How to Approach Life with This Mindset
- Stay open-minded – Accept that not everything can be fully understood.
- Question assumptions – Critical thinking helps differentiate perception from reality.
- Embrace complexity – Life and people are rarely black and white.
- Be humble – Acknowledging limits in understanding fosters growth and learning.
- Seek perspective – Listen, reflect, and consider multiple viewpoints before forming conclusions.
Understanding is a journey, not a guarantee of truth. By balancing curiosity with humility, we navigate life more wisely and compassionately.
