Nowadays, we find ourselves inundated with overwhelming information from various sources. We scroll through social media, read news articles, and engage in conversations, but how do we discern what's real and what's not?

The line between objective facts, lies, personal truths, and mere opinions is becoming increasingly blurred. Here are the categories that I put information into-I suggest you do the same...or not.

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence." - John Adams

1. Objective Facts aka Hard Facts-I shouldn't have to put the word "objective" in front of it, but here were are...*

Facts, by definition, are objective. They are the foundation upon which we build our understanding of the world. But in an era of misinformation, people have grown skeptical and need clarification about what constitutes a fact. Hence the need for the term "objective" in front of the word "facts." This redundancy highlights a sad truth: we live in a world where many struggle to discern fact from fiction.

If you want to REALLY be a critical thinker, you must learn to verify information before accepting it as fact. It's simple-look to obtain evidence from credible sources in the relevant field. Applying this mindset allows us to sift through the noise and embrace genuine objective facts.

* Please remember, the burden of proof should lie with the one making a claim, not the one questioning it.

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." - Vladimir Lenin

2. Lies and Deception

In contrast to objective facts, lies are deliberate distortions of the truth. Unfortunately, they have become disturbingly commonplace. Whether propagated for personal gain, political agendas, or merely to mislead, lies significantly impact how we perceive the world.

We must cultivate a healthy dose of skepticism to protect ourselves from falling victim to lies. Question the sources, motives, and inconsistencies behind the information presented.

Fact-checking websites can be valuable allies in our quest for the truth. Remember, a lie can spread like wildfire, but the truth will always stand firm in the face of scrutiny. Unfortunately, some, if not most, people are not concerned with the truth if the lie is more entertaining, and/or the truth goes against their "truth."

Speaking of truth...

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple." - Oscar Wilde

3. "Truth": The Complex Landscape of Personal Beliefs

This category delves into religion, politics, and deeply-held beliefs. While these may not be objectively proven, they hold immense power over individuals and societies. Indeed, our truths define our identity, shaping our worldview and guiding our actions.*

It is essential to respect others' truths while remaining aware of the biases they may carry. Recognizing that personal truths are not universal facts enables us to engage in productive conversations without attacking one another's core beliefs. By fostering empathy and open-mindedness, we can build bridges of understanding and find common ground despite our differences.

* I can argue that one's truth is way more important than objective facts on the micro level, but that is another post for another time

"The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd." - Bertrand Russell

4. Opinions: The "Assholes" of Information

Opinions are ubiquitous – everyone has them. I often say opinions are like assholes; we all have one, and most stink and are not very "clean." Opinions are subjective viewpoints based on personal preferences, experiences, and values. They often lack substantial evidence and can be easily swayed by emotions.

Understanding the nature of opinions allows us to embrace diversity and foster constructive discussions. It's essential to differentiate between sharing opinions and presenting them as objective facts. Be open to new perspectives and be cautious not to let someone else's opinion overshadow your critical thinking. Respectful disagreement is healthy; it promotes intellectual growth and keeps us from falling into echo chambers.

Conclusion: Navigating the Information Abyss

In a world where information overflows and misinformation runs rampant, mastering the art of discernment is crucial. Embrace the redundancy of "objective facts" as a reminder of the increasing need to verify information rigorously.

Distinguish lies from the truth by cultivating skepticism and fact-checking claims before accepting them. Acknowledge the power of personal truths while respecting diverse perspectives.

And finally, treat opinions as what they are: subjective viewpoints, not immutable facts.

Indeed, we must evaluate the information and consider where it falls on the spectrum of facts, lies, personal truths, and opinions. By doing so, you can navigate the information abyss with clarity, wisdom, and a firmer grasp of reality in a world of noise.