Observation and Truth

We live in a world where we have literally just about every piece of information that we could need in the palm of our hands.  (Literally. We all have smartphones).  And not only that, but the information that we can find is usually valid and has some sort of evidence to support it.  This practice of having information that is backed by evidence is a product of the Enlightenment period, which has greatly shaped the world that we live in today.

Before this time period, of course individuals sought growth and learning.  After all, that’s what the Renaissance was all about.  However, it was during the Enlightenment that people started looking for validity in the information flowing around.  

There was a man by the name of Francis Bacon in this time period of the Enlightenment who was known for being a philosopher over the scientific method.  He is well-known for his thoughts regarding observation and truth. He made the following statement

“Man, being the servant and interpreter of Nature, can do and understand so much and so much only as he has observed in fact or in through of the course of nature.  Beyond this he neither knows anything nor can do anything.”


This quote marks a crucial turning point where people began looking to science for answers.  It was no longer as common to accept thoughts and theories without any evidence or observation.  This was a huge leap in progress for the world, and because of it, we have access to so much free flowing information that can be validated through evidence.

Image credit: by Frans Pourbus 

The Best of all Possible Worlds

It is fascinating that following the black plague in Europe, where nearly a third of the population died, the great thinkers of the renaissance put humans at the center of a universe created for them. Pico della Mirandola said,

I feel that I have come to some understanding of why man is the most fortunate of living things and, consequently, deserving of all admiration...

This idea that man is the most fortunate of all beings, despite the clear evils around characterized the great hope of the humanists in the 15th century.

A map of Guina by Jodocus Hondius (1598)

 It led to great explorations, pushing the boundaries into brave new worlds created for us, the humans. They exaggerated tales, but it seems like they truly did believe that this was the best of worlds, and that humans were at the center of it all. This seed of an idea idea of a best of all possible worlds stuck with humanity. The 17th century philosopher  Leibniz believed it, and argued that God has done all he can for us.

In the present, we have lost sight of mans place in the world. We look at the evils around us, the fighting and disease and wonder how we could be the "most fortunate of all living things". This attitude however was what carried Europe away the dark ages, above the awful plague, and across the oceans. If we too wish to conquer the evils of our day, rising above as a voyagers to brave new worlds, we too must live with the belief that we have been blessed, that we have the agency and ability to change our circumstances. Only then can we arrive at our El Dorado.