The truth of any claim, even a scientific one, depends on its context. This doesn't mean truth is relative or whatever you want it to be (some claims are definitely false), rather that the claim is incomplete without understanding the context. The context is often the story beyond the data or technical statement; it is the time, place, and purpose that support them. Hence the very human act of storytelling is essential to anything.
I like the way you qualify "truth" as it is described by "science." Just because truth can need context doesn't make it "relative." Concise and, in my opinion, correct.
This post is a gem. It is wise and deep, leading readers gently to rethink their assumptions and be more open, curious.
I too was a "sciency" person when I was younger. In 1960s India, family, school, and society -- all valorized scientific pursuits because it was understood that science and technology would help India advance beyond its many limitations.
But over the years I became more interested in stories and narratives. Initially reading and, eventually writing, helped me understand myself and grow as a person. It also helped me become a critical thinker and relate to / understand others.
Your post does a far better job than me of articulating this. Thank you.
Thank you! This post was partially inspired by YOUR post “Sharing Circles” - and its emphasis on storytelling!
I’m not completely satisfied that my post hits its mark. The link between storytelling and critical thinking, as you reference above, is where I hoped to take my reader. It falls a bit short. But the nice thing about this format is I can try again!
I feel Like I know this mentor, yet somehow I don't. I knew about crabby part but not about the classes or drinking with classmates or sponsorship, and did not remember the storytellers. I guess I do not know him as well as I thought I did. Now I know him and you a little better. Thanks.
Fond memories! Classes in the 80’s were on live video at the Augie campus in the evening, then to Hunters for drinks. Maybe 4-5 of us. Then later, so many inventions and companies we theorized! I always thought that someday we would get something going, but it never happened.
The story telling group was a monthly(?) lunchtime thing soon after he retired. I don’t know how long-lived. He would prioritize time to prepare, and I think most of his stories were based on his Navy experience (not sure). It was around the same time I was trying to figure out how to commercialize his moisture monitor, and I laughed that we had to schedule around it!
The truth of any claim, even a scientific one, depends on its context. This doesn't mean truth is relative or whatever you want it to be (some claims are definitely false), rather that the claim is incomplete without understanding the context. The context is often the story beyond the data or technical statement; it is the time, place, and purpose that support them. Hence the very human act of storytelling is essential to anything.
I like the way you qualify "truth" as it is described by "science." Just because truth can need context doesn't make it "relative." Concise and, in my opinion, correct.
Thanks for reading!
This post is a gem. It is wise and deep, leading readers gently to rethink their assumptions and be more open, curious.
I too was a "sciency" person when I was younger. In 1960s India, family, school, and society -- all valorized scientific pursuits because it was understood that science and technology would help India advance beyond its many limitations.
But over the years I became more interested in stories and narratives. Initially reading and, eventually writing, helped me understand myself and grow as a person. It also helped me become a critical thinker and relate to / understand others.
Your post does a far better job than me of articulating this. Thank you.
Thank you! This post was partially inspired by YOUR post “Sharing Circles” - and its emphasis on storytelling!
I’m not completely satisfied that my post hits its mark. The link between storytelling and critical thinking, as you reference above, is where I hoped to take my reader. It falls a bit short. But the nice thing about this format is I can try again!
Knowing that my Sharing Circles post inspired this post made my day!
I feel Like I know this mentor, yet somehow I don't. I knew about crabby part but not about the classes or drinking with classmates or sponsorship, and did not remember the storytellers. I guess I do not know him as well as I thought I did. Now I know him and you a little better. Thanks.
Fond memories! Classes in the 80’s were on live video at the Augie campus in the evening, then to Hunters for drinks. Maybe 4-5 of us. Then later, so many inventions and companies we theorized! I always thought that someday we would get something going, but it never happened.
The story telling group was a monthly(?) lunchtime thing soon after he retired. I don’t know how long-lived. He would prioritize time to prepare, and I think most of his stories were based on his Navy experience (not sure). It was around the same time I was trying to figure out how to commercialize his moisture monitor, and I laughed that we had to schedule around it!