The Obvious

What is Obvious? A Brief Introduction.

Listen about the topic in this podcast here:

The Obvious_ An Exploration of Self-Evident Truths - The Podcast

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Part 1: The Definition of the Obvious

Here we will discuss what "obvious" actually means. Is it something everyone can see, or is it subjective? We will look at various definitions and evaluate them against each other to provide a solid understanding of the term.

Part 2: The Obvious in Daily Life

In this part, we explore how the obvious manifests itself in everyday life. From sunrise to sunset, what do we take for granted and see as self-evident?

Part 3: How Does One Think Obviously?

We will investigate the mental process that leads us to consider something "obvious." What goes through our minds when we come to this conclusion?

Part 4: Cultural Perspectives on the Obvious

Here we will consider how different cultures and societies view what is "obvious." Can what is obvious in one culture be completely incomprehensible in another?

Part 5: The Obvious and the Hidden

This chapter will examine the relationship between the obvious and what is less obvious or hidden. How do these two relate to each other, and can one exist without the other?

Part 6: Who Thinks Obviously?

We look at which groups or individuals tend to think in an "obvious" way. Are some more inclined to it than others?

Part 7: The Obvious in Science

In this chapter, we will explore the obvious in scientific theories and laws. Why is something accepted as an "obvious" truth in science?

Part 8: The Obvious in Art and Literature

How is the obvious portrayed in art and literature? Is it always easy to recognize, or is it sometimes hidden behind deep metaphors and symbols?

Part 9: Why Think Obvious?

Here we delve into the psychology behind thinking "obvious." Is it seeking security, or are there more complex factors at play?

Part 10: Critique of the Obvious

Finally, we will critically examine the concept of "obvious." Are there disadvantages to always thinking in such terms? Can it lead to stagnation or limit our creativity?

Part 1: The Definition of The Obvious

Humanity has always had a propensity to categorize and define, to name phenomena to better understand them. So, what does "obvious" really mean? Some would say it is something so clear that it requires no further explanation. Others would argue that what is "obvious" to one person might be mysterious or confusing to another.

Let's begin by looking at the etymology. The word "obvious" comes from the Latin word "apertus," meaning open or clear. This suggests that what is obvious is readily accessible for understanding, and open to inspection by anyone who wishes to see it. Yet, as we will soon discover, the matter is often more complicated.

In everyday language, the word "obvious" is often used to indicate that something is self-evident. "It is obvious that the earth orbits the sun," one might say today, but this was not as obvious to people in earlier times. This brings us to the first important point: what is "obvious" can change over time with the acquisition of new knowledge or insights.

Furthermore, we must consider subjectivity. What is obvious to one person might not be so for another. Factors such as cultural background, previous experiences, and even psychological inclinations can influence our perception of what is "obvious."

On the other hand, are there universal "obviousnesses"? Are there aspects of life or natural laws so fundamental that they are considered obvious to all people, regardless of their differences? Some might point to mathematical axioms or fundamental physical laws as examples of this.

We might also question whether the "obvious" is necessarily always the "correct." History is full of examples where what was once considered an obvious truth was later revealed to be a mistaken assumption.

So, what can we draw from this? Well, the "obvious" is a slippery fish that eludes simple definition. It is both subjective and time-specific, and its status as a "truth" can always be challenged. But it is precisely this complexity that makes the subject so fascinating and worthy of further exploration. While the obvious may seem straightforward at first glance, upon deeper examination, it becomes a springboard into some of the most pressing and unexplored questions we can ask.

Part 2: The Obvious in Everyday Life

The sunrise marks the beginning of a new day. The clock ticks steadily on the wall, and traffic lights change from red to green. These are everyday moments, so familiar that they almost become invisible. But how often do we stop to think about these phenomena that govern our lives? It is in these everyday moments that the obvious truly comes to the forefront.

Take, for example, the simple act of tying shoelaces. It is an activity so ingrained in our daily routine that it is performed almost without thought. Yet, if one stops to consider it, it becomes clear that this simple action is the result of years of practice and learning. What is obvious to an adult is not necessarily so for a child who is just learning the skill.

Or consider our interaction with technology. We swipe and click on our smartphones as if it were the most natural thing in the world. But for someone who did not grow up with this technology, it can be anything but obvious. So, is the obvious a function of habit, age, or even technological advancement?

Everyday life is also filled with social codes and norms that seem obvious but can vary greatly from culture to culture. What is acceptable attire, which topics are okay to discuss with strangers, and how does one behave at a dinner party? These "obvious" rules are often unconscious, yet they govern our interactions to a large extent.

Moreover, it is in everyday life that we often find the most entrenched "truths," the ones we seldom challenge because they seem so self-evident. "Time is money," we say, accepting without question that this metaphorical equivalence of time and economic value is an obvious truth. But is it? What happens when we start to challenge these assumptions?

In this section, we have only scratched the surface of how the obvious manifests in our daily lives. It is in the familiar and the routine that we find some of the most interesting examples of what we consider to be obvious. But as we have seen, it is also here that we find opportunities to challenge, explore, and perhaps even change our perceptions of the obvious. To quote the old saying, "nothing is as dangerous as the obvious." And perhaps it is in the everyday that we should look to understand the deeper layers of this complex phenomenon.

Part 3: How Does One Think Obviously?

The human mind is a complex landscape, a maelstrom of thoughts, emotions, and impulses. Yet, within this labyrinth, there are well-trodden paths, mental shortcuts that we take almost automatically. It is on these paths that we often categorize what is "obvious." But what happens in the brain when we navigate these paths? How do we come to the conclusion that something is so clear and unequivocal that it falls under the category of "obvious"?

One way to understand this is through cognitive shortcuts, or "heuristics," as psychology calls them. These are simple, efficient rules that our brain uses to make quick decisions or judgments. When we see a red rose, we automatically assume it is beautiful. Why? Because past experiences have taught us to associate red roses with beauty. But even though this may seem obvious, it is actually the result of a mental shortcut.

The same goes for social situations. When someone smiles at us, we immediately think that the person is friendly. This assumption is based on a collection of past experiences and cultural norms that have shaped our expectations. So, in this case, the "obvious" is just another word for an internalized understanding that we have accepted as a "truth."

But what about doubt? Is there room for uncertainty in this process? Absolutely. For every time we encounter a situation that challenges our assumptions, the "obvious" suddenly becomes not so obvious. This is why it can be so refreshing—or unsettling—to travel to a different culture or even just read a book that challenges our existing assumptions.

Another interesting aspect is the role of intuition in shaping the "obvious." Sometimes we just know that something is the way it is, without being able to pinpoint why. Is this an example of deeper, subconscious processes at work, or is it perhaps just a result of cultural conditioning?

In this section, we have attempted to map out the mental landscape that shapes our perception of the "obvious." It is a combination of learned experiences, cultural norms, and cognitive shortcuts, but it is also flexible, capable of changing and adapting. For even in the most well-trodden terrain, there are always possibilities for new paths, for new ways of seeing and understanding what previously seemed utterly clear. The "obvious" is thus not a static truth but a dynamic state, always open to reconsideration and, perhaps most interestingly, to wonder.

Part 4: Cultural Perspectives on The Obvious

Culture is like a kaleidoscope, an ever-changing collection of patterns and colors that shape our view of the world. Within each pattern, in each color, lies elements that a particular society considers "obvious." However, what is clear and straightforward in one culture can be completely mysterious in another.

Let's start with language, perhaps one of the most fundamental expressions of culture. Idioms and expressions that are clear as day in one language can be impossible to translate into another. What does this say about the "obvious"? Are the limitations of language also the limitations of what a society can see as obvious?

And what about social norms and etiquette? If you travel from a Western city to a village in Asia, you will quickly discover that norms for personal space, eye contact, and even the way one eats can vary drastically. In Japan, for example, it can be considered rude to tip, whereas in the USA, it is seen as a given. What is "obviously" polite behavior in one culture can thus be a social faux pas in another.

Religion and spirituality also offer fascinating insights into this topic. Some see it as obvious that there is an omnipotent God, while others see it as clear that there are many gods, and still others see no divine force as an obvious part of life. These fundamentally different viewpoints shape not only what we see as obvious but also how we interpret the world around us.

Even science, often regarded as a universal source of "truth," is not immune to cultural differences. Consider Ayurvedic medicine in India versus Western medicine. Both have their own "obvious" methods for diagnosis and treatment, yet they are based on entirely different understandings of the body and illness.

In this section, we have traveled through a variety of landscapes, from language and social codes to religion and science, to explore how the "obvious" can be deeply rooted in cultural context. What emerges is a picture of the "obvious" that is anything but clear-cut. It is fluid, shaped by cultural currents that can be as varied as they are influential. And so, as we navigate through this complex terrain, it becomes crucial to ask: Is there anything that is universally obvious, or is everything dependent on the eyes that see? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between, in the rich gray area where culture meets individual experience, and where the "obvious" is always open for interpretation.

Part 5: The Obvious and The Hidden

In any landscape, physical or mental, there always exists what lies openly in the day and what is hidden. This balance, or perhaps it is a contrast, between the obvious and the hidden is a fascinating dynamic that informs our understanding of the world and ourselves. But what happens when we start to dig deeper, to peel back the layers to understand how these two spheres interact? Can we ever see one without thinking of the other?

Let's start with what lies on the surface—the obvious. These are the elements in our lives that we take for granted, the self-evidences we don't even think about. The sun rises, the trees are green, and the water is wet. The obvious can be so fundamental that we almost ignore it, but at the same time, it forms the backbone of our daily experience.

Now, shift focus to what is hidden, what doesn't immediately catch the attention or may even be entirely invisible to the naked eye. This can include everything from hidden motivations and subconscious thoughts to the more abstract, such as cultural assumptions or ideological dogmas. The hidden is not necessarily difficult to understand, but it requires a more conscious effort to uncover.

Here it becomes interesting. The hidden and the obvious often have a symbiotic, albeit complicated, relationship with each other. The obvious can be a portal to the hidden, a way to stimulate curiosity and further exploration. Consider a painter's artwork. At first glance, we might see only colors and shapes, but upon closer examination, we begin to understand the deeper layers of meaning, motivation, and perhaps even critique lying beneath the surface.

But can one exist without the other? Well, that's a thought-provoking question. The obvious without the hidden can feel empty, a surface without depth. Conversely, the hidden without the obvious can be incomprehensible, a mystery without any form of context or explanation.

In this part, we have explored the exciting, sometimes challenging, relationship between the obvious and the hidden. What we find is that the two not only coexist but often also enrich each other in ways that make our experience of the world, and even ourselves, more complex and interesting. This interplay can be seen as an invitation to both humility and adventure: humility in recognizing that there is always more to learn, and adventure in the quest for the hidden treasures lying just beneath the surface of what we thought we knew.

Part 6: Who Thinks Obviously?

As we navigate through life's maze, some seem to follow a straight line, an obvious path, while others seem to wander in circles or even backwards. What makes certain individuals or groups lean towards the "obvious"?

Is it cultural upbringing, personal experience, or something more profound? To understand this, we must delve into a fascinating mix of psychology, social dynamics, and perhaps even biology.

Let's start with childhood. In those formative years, we are often taught what is "obvious" through our parents, teachers, and society at large. This early programming can set the stage for how we navigate the world for the rest of our lives. Some grow up in environments where clear, simple answers and directions are privileged, and as a result, these individuals may be more inclined to seek the obvious.

But what about cultural factors? As we have seen in previous parts, what is considered "obvious" can vary greatly from one culture to another. This might also explain why certain groups of people might be more inclined to think in an "obvious" way. In societies where collectivism is valued over individualism, for example, it might be more "obvious" to follow the majority's opinion.

And we cannot overlook biological and psychological components. Some research suggests that personality types might play a role. Those who score high on traits such as orderliness and duty may be more inclined to see the world in black and white, where the obvious becomes a form of comfort and security.

However, it's important to note: Thinking in an "obvious" way is not necessarily a good or bad thing. In some cases, focusing on the obvious can be an effective way to solve problems and make decisions. In other contexts, however, it might limit our understanding and empathy.

So, who thinks "obviously"? The short answer is that it's complicated. From the stumbling blocks we encounter as children to the cultural landscapes we navigate as adults, to the inherent psychological and biological traits that color our perceptions, there are many factors that shape our propensity to think this way. And while it's fascinating to explore these dynamics, it's also a reminder that none of us are immune to thinking that our way is the "obvious" way, a phenomenon that both unites and divides us on our infinitely complex human journey.

Part 7: The Obvious in Science

Ah, science! This bastion of rational thinking and systematic investigation, where empirical evidence and logical reasoning reign supreme. But where does the "obvious" fit into this critical arena? It might be tempting to believe that in science, everything is sorted, sifted, and analyzed to the point where only "obvious" truths remain. But wait a moment—is that really how it works?

First, we must understand that science is a continuous process, an ongoing dialogue between theory and empiricism. What may seem "obvious" at one time can well be revised or discarded in light of new information. Consider the classic transition from the geocentric to the heliocentric worldview. What was once "obvious" - that the Earth was the center of the universe - was challenged and ultimately replaced by a more accurate understanding.

But what makes some theories or laws in science accepted as "obvious" truths? Often, it is a combination of robust empirical evidence and broad scholarly consensus. For example, Newton's laws of motion are so well supported by experimental data and have such wide applicability that they are often regarded as "obvious" truths within physics, at least within their scope of validity.

However, it's also important to note that what is "obvious" in one scientific discipline may be far from clear in another. In quantum physics, for example, concepts such as superposition and quantum effects can seem entirely counterintuitive and anything but "obvious."

And let's not forget the human factor. Even in the rigorous world of scientific publications and peer review, there is room for bias, errors, and even biases. What is accepted as "obvious" can sometimes be influenced by cultural, social, or even political factors, a reality that underscores the importance of constant critical assessment.

Thus, we find that the "obvious" in science is a fluid and complex concept, shaped by a wealth of factors ranging from empirical data to scholarly consensus, and even human fallibilities. It serves as a reminder that even in our quest for objective truth, there is always room for questioning, for doubt, and yes, for wonder. For the moment we stop asking questions, the moment we take the "obvious" for granted, is the moment we limit the potential of what science, and we as its investigators, can discover.

Part 8: The Obvious in Art and Literature

Art and literature: These realms, where emotions, insights, and aesthetics intertwine, create a rich texture of human experience. But what does the "obvious" have to do with these subtle and often enigmatic forms of expression? Ah, tread lightly, for here lies a treasure trove of insights, hidden behind veils of metaphors, symbols, and yes, sometimes behind the seemingly "obvious."

Let's start with literature. On one hand, we find works that are clear and unambiguous, where the author nearly shouts their message from the pages. But even in the most "obvious" stories, there can lie deeper layers of meaning, waiting to be uncovered by an attentive reader. This is why the great works often withstand the test of time; they can be read and interpreted in countless ways, from the superficially "obvious" to the intricately hidden.

When it comes to art, the "obvious" can be even more elusive. Take, for example, a painting like the Mona Lisa. To many, it's "obvious" that this is a portrait of a woman with a mysterious smile. But behind this simple observation lies a sea of questions and possible interpretations. What is Leonardo trying to convey through this smile? What do the lighting, posture, and background tell us about the deeper meaning of the work? Here, we find that the "obvious" is just the beginning, a springboard into a deeper pool of possible meanings.

And let's not forget the modern and postmodern currents in art and literature, where the "obvious" is often turned on its head, challenged, or even mocked. Here, artists and writers can play with our expectations, making us question what we consider to be "obvious," and why.

So, how is the "obvious" portrayed in art and literature? It's like a kaleidoscope: shifting, multi-layered, and highly subjective. What may seem "obvious" to one person can be utterly incomprehensible to another, and this range of possible interpretations is one of the things that makes art and literature so endlessly fascinating.

Thus, in these worlds where creation and interpretation go hand in hand, the "obvious" is more an invitation than an answer. It invites us to explore, think, feel, and even lose ourselves in the labyrinth of human experience. For in the endless dialogue between creator and observer, between author and reader, the "obvious" is never truly the final destination, but rather a step on an infinite journey through the complex landscapes of heart and mind.

Part 9: Why Think Obviously?

Ah, the psychology behind the "obvious." Here we step into the labyrinth of the human mind, where the seemingly simple often hides complex paths and obscure corners. The question is, why do we seek the "obvious"? Is it for security, for simplicity, or are there deeper, more complicated reasons behind it?

On the surface, it might seem like the "obvious" is a mental shortcut. We humans are largely concerned with conserving energy, and that includes mental energy. By resorting to the "obvious," we can simplify the world around us, reducing it to bite-sized pieces that are easier to digest. It provides us with a sense of control, a way to navigate through the unpredictable terrain of daily life.

But wait, there's more here than just a quest for simplicity. For some people, the "obvious" can also serve as a shield, a way to protect against the harsh reality of uncertainty, doubt, and complexity. The "obvious" becomes a safe haven, a place where one can feel secure in a world that often seems threatening or incomprehensible.

Then, there's the social dimension. In many cases, the "obvious" gives us a sense of community. When a group of people agree that something is "obvious," it creates a sense of unity and belonging. This is potent stuff for us as herd animals; we thrive on cohesion and affirmation.

And of course, in a world that is becoming increasingly complicated, with a stream of information that never seems to abate, the "obvious" can offer us a moment of rest, a break from the constant flow of complexity and nuances. It provides us with a rare chance to breathe, to center ourselves, before we dive back into the chaos.

So, why think "obviously"? It's not a simple answer. It's a mosaic of psychological, social, and cultural factors, all intertwined in the complex network that is the human mind. From seeking safety to conserving energy, from social cohesion to a break in the information storm, the "obvious" serves many masters. And just like with all other aspects of human experience, there is no simple solution, no "obvious" path through this fascinating, enigmatic part of our existence.

Part 10: Critique of The Obvious

Ah, the critical eye, this perpetual question mark hovering over everything we take for granted. Here we shall challenge the established, the "obvious," and ask ourselves: Is it always a good thing to lean on what we believe is clear and evident? Could this perhaps have its limitations, its shadow sides?

First, let's consider intellectual stagnation. It's easy to become comfortable in the arms of the "obvious," where everything is so clear, so straightforward. But this comfort zone can also be a trap, a place where curiosity and critical thinking are smothered. If we always take the "obvious" for granted, what remains of our intellectual space to explore, to dare, and to venture into the unknown?

And what about creativity, this unstoppable force that drives us to think outside the box, to see the world from new perspectives? Creativity often thrives in the tension between the known and the unknown, between rules and freedom. But if we lock ourselves into the "obvious," this tension quickly turns into a flat line, an echo chamber where all thoughts are directed towards the same, unshakeable point.

Then there's the social aspect. When a group of people collectively decides that something is "obvious," it often becomes difficult to challenge this perception without risking social ostracism. This can lead to a form of groupthink, where critical, individual judgment is sacrificed on the altar of social harmony.

And let's not forget the moral aspect. An "obvious" truth in one culture may be an "obvious" untruth in another. What happens when these "obvious" truths collide? Can it lead to conflict, to misunderstandings, to a division that goes deeper than just different perceptions?

So, while the "obvious" has its place, it also has its limitations, its shadow sides. It's worth exploring these, being aware of them, for it's only when we challenge what we take for granted that we can truly understand it in its full depth. The "obvious" can be a good servant but a dangerous master, and it's up to us to decide when it should guide us, and when it should be challenged.

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