From the shape of the Earth to human rights, the journey of knowledge reveals that what we once deemed absolute can transform—a reminder to foster dialogue and continuous learning in an ever-changing world.

Between two relative truths, one may be more accurate than the other, but neither is an absolute truth. As the philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” Throughout history, our understanding has evolved, showing us that our perceptions are often temporary. Instead of saying, “I am right, you are wrong,” we should think, “Maybe what you believe as truth will be proven wrong in the future”. Here are some examples:

1. Shape of the Earth: Long ago, people thought the Earth was flat and that the Sun revolved around it. Later, we learned that the Earth is a sphere that orbits the Sun. As Galileo Galilei noted, “All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” This reflects the continual pursuit of knowledge and the evolution of our understanding of the universe.
2. Medical Treatments: Bloodletting was once a common method for treating various illnesses, based on the idea of balancing bodily fluids. Today, we know this method is ineffective and harmful, and we rely on evidence-based medicine instead. Thomas Kuhn observed, “The advance of science involves the search for a better model of reality,” highlighting how scientific understanding progresses and changes over time.
3. Understanding the Universe: The Steady State Theory claimed that the universe had no beginning. However, scientists have discovered the Big Bang Theory, which shows that the universe did have a definite starting point. As Albert Einstein stated, “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science.” This quote emphasizes the importance of embracing the unknown as we expand our understanding.
4. Human Rights: Slavery was historically accepted as normal. Today, it is recognized as a violation of human rights, and many movements have successfully ended slavery in most parts of the world. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of human rights and the need for continual advocacy.
5. Diet and Nutrition: In the past, fats were thought to be unhealthy, leading to low-fat diets. Now, we understand that not all fats are bad, and we focus more on the dangers of sugars and processed carbohydrates. As the nutritionist Michael Pollan noted, “Eat food, not much, mostly plants,” reminding us that our understanding of nutrition is evolving toward a more balanced approach.
6. Environmental Understanding: People once believed that natural resources were unlimited and could be exploited freely. Now, we recognize the importance of sustainability and protecting the environment. As Gandhi wisely noted, “The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not enough for everyone’s greed,” underscoring the need for sustainable practices.

These examples illustrate that what we consider to be true can change over time, emphasizing the dynamic nature of human knowledge. By accepting that our understanding can evolve, we can foster better conversations and deeper insights. As philosopher John Dewey stated, “We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” Ultimately, recognizing the fluidity of truth allows us to embrace continuous learning in a changing world.

By Sabzar Ahmad Bhat

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Sabzar Ahmad Bhat