Introduction: The Power of “Saying That”
The phrase “I can say that…” is a declaration of truth, understanding, or belief. It signifies that we have arrived at a conclusion, either through learning from others or through internal reflection. Throughout our development, the ideas we consider true are shaped by a delicate interplay of external influences and internal growth. This article explores how truths we “say that” we believe are born, the contrasting roles of outside and inside influences, and the profound question: If we’re not exposed to an idea by ourselves or others, how could we ever think it?
External Influence: Learning Through the World
External influences are the ideas and truths we absorb from the world around us—our families, friends, mentors, society, and culture. They provide a framework for understanding life and often shape what we accept as true.
- Cultural Norms: Imagine growing up in a community where a particular value, such as kindness, is celebrated. You might say, “I can say that kindness is essential,” based on the examples set by others around you.
- Education and Expertise: Schools, books, and mentors offer truths that we often accept because of their authority. For example, learning about scientific concepts like gravity shapes your understanding of physical reality.
- Social Proof: External influence often relies on the agreement of others. If a large group of people agrees on something, such as the importance of democracy or the harmfulness of dishonesty, we may adopt these beliefs without deeply questioning them.
Strengths and Limits of External Influence
External influences allow us to stand on the shoulders of giants, benefiting from the collective knowledge of humanity. However, they can also limit us. If we only believe what we are told, our truths may lack personal depth or critical examination.
Internal Influence: Truths Discovered Within
In contrast, internal influences are the truths we come to through our own experiences, reflection, and intuition. These are the insights that emerge from within, often after wrestling with the complexities of life.
- Personal Experience: An individual who struggles with failure might eventually say, “I can say that failure is a teacher,” based on their own reflections rather than external input.
- Introspection: Internal influence often comes from questioning, “Why do I believe this? What feels true to me?” This type of influence creates a sense of ownership over the ideas we hold.
- Creativity and Intuition: Some truths are discovered through moments of inspiration or personal insight. A painter might say, “I can say that art is a universal language,” after witnessing how their work resonates with others, even across cultural boundaries.
Strengths and Limits of Internal Influence
Internally developed truths tend to be deeply meaningful and authentic. However, without exposure to external perspectives, our inner world can become an echo chamber, where we only consider ideas we already know.
The Interplay Between Internal and External
True growth requires a dynamic balance between external and internal influences. External ideas provide the raw material, while internal reflection allows us to evaluate, refine, and personalize these ideas.
For instance:
- External Spark: A teacher introduces you to the concept of mindfulness.
- Internal Development: Through personal practice, you realize, “I can say that mindfulness helps me manage stress,” turning a general idea into a personal truth.
This interplay is where ideas gain depth and meaning. Truths born from both external exposure and internal reflection become more robust and enduring.
The Question of the Unthought
A profound question arises: If we are not exposed to an idea through our own means or from others, how could we ever think that thought?
This question challenges the limits of human creativity and knowledge. It suggests that the boundaries of what we think are tied to:
- External Exposure: Without encountering a new idea from books, conversations, or other external sources, we may never consider it. For example, the concept of human rights might not emerge in a society without external influence or shared historical struggles.
- Internal Exploration: External ideas remain shallow without introspection. Even if exposed to a concept like forgiveness, without personal reflection, we might never understand its deeper meaning or apply it to our lives.
Thus, the interplay of external and internal influences expands our capacity to think new thoughts. Exposure introduces us to possibilities, while internal processing makes them meaningful and actionable.
Comparing External and Internal Truths
To illustrate the difference:
- External Truth: “I can say that recycling is good for the planet,” based on what you’ve learned from environmental campaigns and scientific studies.
- Internal Truth: “I can say that my efforts to recycle make me feel connected to the Earth,” based on personal reflection and a sense of purpose.
While the external truth provides factual knowledge, the internal truth adds personal meaning. Together, they create a fuller understanding of the concept.
Conclusion: The Journey of Saying That
The truths we “say that” we believe are shaped by a combination of external and internal forces. External influences provide exposure to new ideas, while internal exploration deepens and personalizes those ideas. Neither alone is sufficient for full growth.
The question of unthought ideas—those we may never conceive without external or internal influences—reminds us of the importance of curiosity, openness, and reflection. To grow as individuals, we must seek out new perspectives while also cultivating the inner space to process and integrate what we learn.
Ultimately, the journey of truth is a dynamic one. Each time we say, “I can say that this is true,” we affirm the complex interplay of the world around us and the world within us.
