Humans: An Utmost Tumultuous Species
Humans are a twisted species.
They exhibit complex behaviors that often descend into chaos and confusion. This tendency towards tumult is deeply embedded in the human psyche, manifesting in myriad ways, often as miscommunication. Often, it appears that these miscommunications are deliberate, stemming from selfish motives or the insatiable need to maintain one's dignity or pride. If not intentional, it’s at least from ignorance; either way, it’s a sad state of affairs. Frequently, this behavior is just a strategy to avoid embarrassment or loss of face in front of others.
It happens all the time in the human experience, where an individual tells one version of a story to one person and a completely different version to another. This deliberate discrepancy sets the stage for a metaphorical collision, akin to two ski boats speeding toward each other, unaware of the impending crash. With a maniacal curiosity, the orchestrator of this confusion sits back to observe how the captains of these boats—unaware of each other's courses—navigate and maneuver to avoid disaster. This spectacle reveals a troubling aspect of human nature, where individuals are treated as participants in a social experiment rather than as sentient beings with emotions and dignity.
At the very least it reveals where said orchestrator’s loyalties lie. When a person is presented with having to make a decision, it forces their priorities and allegiances to be manifested for all to see.
Labeling humans as sadists, narcissists, or even maniacal might seem harsh, but these terms capture the extent to which some individuals will go to preserve their self-image. The phenomenon of 'saving face' is so potent that it can drive a person to weave an intricate web of lies, even on their deathbed. This act of suppressing the truth while simultaneously claiming to uphold it is a paradox that underscores the complexity and often the irrationality of human behavior.
Why do humans engage in such self-destructive and manipulative behaviors? Is it a survival instinct or simply a flaw in our social fabric? The compulsion to manipulate truth and perception not only affects interpersonal relationships but also reflects broader societal issues where truth is often a casualty. This behavior leads to mistrust due to a breakdown in communication, fostering environments where cynicism thrives, and genuine connections are scarce.
It is not humanly possible to be consistently truthful. This is why we need God and where Jesus comes in.
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -Jesus, John 14:6