Truly right about complex issues? Think again.

A paradoxical, yet catchy short hypothetical representing a pragmatic notion of humility. It suggests the human race participates in a perpetual cycle of improvement; one which theoretically prevents it from ever being truly reliable.

This concept assumes an ongoing state of confusion; that such a perception exists as a by-product of conscious observation thereby forming the basis of reasoning. It is therefore only through acknowledging said confusion that the individual is motivated to understand, therein improving on previous states of ignorance.

This is by no means a newly invented construct, but an inperpetuitous staple of human existence. Indeed, ancient peoples in a vast array of cultural settings sensed this dilemma. They sought to ameliorate their feelings of insecurity by taking part in rituals, the aim of which were to set right or reset their humanity before recommencing to put it to good use.

In the colloquial christian context, for instance, prayer is used as a means of repenting for one’s sins. If one is able to make an offering of their shortcomings to deity, they may well be in a position to make good on future projections, irrespective of ongoing weakness.

People seek proximity to an array of exposures above and beyond those offered by orthodox faith in an effort to augment their sense of spiritual enlightenment. Education, music, art and literature are just some. In addition to systems of colloquial belief; yoga, meditation, exercise, leisure activities, healthy living standards and a range of other self-improvement techniques—with which to measure success or failure—are utilised by many to gain a better understanding of both themselves and others.