# Advice and Faith By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2025-01-13 Nobody has it all figured out. It's just opinions. Some have better-informed opinions than others. Some even have evidence to justify their opinion. But, make no mistake, nobody has all the answers, even within their domain of expertise. So, please don't get hung on this idea of absolute truth regarding the art and science of living. Pursuing an absolute truth is a core feature of humanity that simultaneously drives wonder while paralyzing and creating the space of manipulation. If there was an absolute truth, would there ever be a need for a sales and marketing department? What about motivational speakers? What about religions? These things are trying to persuade one to believe in something over something else. If one innately believed in an absolute truth, one would not need to be convinced. One would simply figure out who is lying and telling the truth. The trouble is that nobody is telling the absolute truth. There is doubt, and then there is faith. If one accepts an absolute truth, it is not through evidence but faith. So, why do people believe what they do? It's because one has decided evidence is no longer needed, and the faith is enough to endure until it isn't. Consider this all as a matter of faith when giving and receiving advice. Someone who means well is authentic and self-reflective and will offer advice as a matter of faith with all the appropriate caveats. If the advice-giver doesn't say, "one's mileage may vary, " consider the source, motivations, values, and historical context. #### Related Items [[Advice]] [[Faith]] [[Beliefs]] [[Authenticity]] [[Reflection]] [[Science]] [[Life]] [[Religion]] [[Value]] [[Motivation]]