Looking for the truth in the world of politics can often feel like trying to spot a needle in a haystack. It's not the most helpful place to look if you're in your early years, still trying to figure out what's true and what's not.
Don't get me wrong, politicians aren't inherently deceitful. But the thing is, they often end up talking about things, not because they're the absolute truth, but because these things will get them votes. Voters, on the other hand, seldom vote based on hard facts. So, you see, it's a game that's not primarily driven by truth. If truth happens to align with a politician's speech or agenda, it's mostly a coincidence.
The same can be said for political commentators. Their motivation isn't necessarily votes, but views, followers, and influence. They're competing for attention, and the truth can sometimes get lost in the noise.
So, if you ask me, truth and politics have a bit of a rocky relationship.
Now, you might ask, where does one find the truth then? Well, in my view, the truths that matter most are those that revolve around human flourishing. To figure out what contributes to our well-being, you need to engage with the world around you. Read a lot, try different experiences, taste various foods, spend time with different people, explore hobbies, change jobs.
Learning about the world and yourself isn't something you can do by just listening to political speeches or watching Ben Shapiro clips. You have to live life, spot the patterns, and discern the truths for yourself.
Here's something else - politics often forces you into a rigid herd mentality, more than any other space, even fashion or music. But unlike politics, these spaces allow for a dynamic relationship between trendsetters and consumers. The market, with its myriad choices, reflects human preferences more efficiently than politics.
In my observation, individuals often enter politics with a certain level of honesty, only to see it eroded as they play the game. They tweak their truths, exaggerate some, neglect others, and sometimes even adopt beliefs they don't necessarily hold dear. All this, just for the sake of winning votes.
So, if there's anything I want to emphasize, it's this: politics is a game of power, not a game of truth. And it's an unfortunate fact that power and truth don't always align in our world. So, if you're really searching for the truth, be ready to look beyond the political landscape.