# Cutting the Knot of Universal Truths By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-03-06 When a problem is particularly complex and convoluted due to limited information, differences in beliefs, and gaps in understanding, it may be helpful to think of the problem as a knot. Many try to untie the knot, but inevitably, the knot will grow in complexity as each person brings a different approach and concern. Some will see this and attempt to stop everyone from untying the knot individually so they can work together to untie the knot. But, doing this often only creates another knot that needs to be untied. In this case, who has authority, who is right, and how will we adjudicate all this work? Remember, the problem is complex and convoluted, so it is unlikely that any one approach will untie the knot. Some synthesis of ideas is often required, but achieving this takes a lot of work, if possible. So, what other ways might one deal with this knot? Many choose to ignore it, but it will surface like clockwork every year, like a splinter stuck in one's finger, nagging away at one's sanity. Another approach is not to untie the knot but to cut through it. In other words, redefine the problem and paradigm. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book and the most reliable once one has gained the knowledge and wisdom of seeing the world through many lenses. Cutting the knot is often the best solution when one is stuck justifying, resolving, or concocting what is believed to be a universal truth. Here, universal truth means a singular answer that applies to all situations within the social or organizational frame of reference. Hopefully, the problem with universal truth is apparent as rarely, if ever, does a singular thing apply in all cases. At a minimum, one can never prove it to be the case. Alas, humans easily fall prey to these problems. We get tied up in this knot and think we can wiggle our way out of it, but struggling only tightens its hold on us. Cutting the knot of universal truths comes in many forms, but it often requires accepting the knot as a creature of our making. Only then can one see a way to cut it. This does not mean one loses belief in something, as many suspect. If anything, it strengthens one's belief while opening the possibility that one is wrong. This last bit is essential to true knot cutting. Knot cutting is not a violent act, as the metaphor implies, but an act done in existential solidarity. Otherwise, we all stayed tied up in knots that get us nowhere. We must stand for something while being open to being wrong, and when we are wrong, we accept it with grace and honor. The metamodern analyst spends the majority of their time cutting knots tied up eons ago. The modern and postmodern analyst keeps tying up more knots that keep us from moving forward. #### Related Items [[Problem Solving]] [[Society]] [[Organization]] [[Paradigms]] [[Metamodernism]] [[Analytics]] [[Thinking]]