Debate

[ls317]

Whatever happened to the form of discussion known as debate? I don’t mean argument, or hurling insults or making every effort to look right no matter what the facts may be. I don’t mean twisting the facts to suit my viewpoint, or selectively choosing those points in a subject which happen to favor my position, while ignoring the rest. I mean debate; the honest evaluation of a subject to determine what is the truth, where both sides of an issue actively and enthusiastically seek out the truth. Yes, the truth…that which is the bottom line, the real deal, what is actually happening in the world and why.

But you see, the art of debate is almost dead. Debate died when it became popular and common place to sacrifice truth for the sake of ego. In other words, it takes honesty to have a real debate, and without that, what you’ve got is just one or more egos who will do anything to be “right”, even if that means lying, making up false issues, making every issue a personal one, or changing the subject every two minutes.
Having an honest discussion for any length of time has become very rare indeed. Staying on a topic or subject is practically unheard of, and so, any real depth of understanding between people in this modern age is equally shallow. This has been an impartial observation of mine for a very long time, and I’ve contemplated it earnestly. The reasons for this dilemma vary, but the bottom line has become very clear…

Essentially, we have become a species that puts little or no value on seeking, speaking or living Truth. In fact, the word “truth” is rarely used in daily conversation, outside of the context of a personal connotation, such as “my truth and your truth”. Unfortunately, it is commonly believed that the truth is something to sacrifice, if that is what is momentarily convenient. We’re very casual with it. What is of most importance to the majority of people is the saving of ego, staying in one’s comfort zone and putting one’s feelings above all else.