Everything we believe to be true is based in assumptions.⁠
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We set them as a foundation for what is true in this world. With them as our bedrock, we build grand and elaborate stories to explain what we see around us.⁠
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We then forget we made any assumptions at all. We convert them to facts—objective and irrefutable—and feel no more need to discuss them as we build a world on top of them.⁠
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When we encounter someone whose world view differs from ours, we rarely look to the assumptions we both have made. ⁠
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We especially avoid questioning the assumptions we made—those aren't assumptions, after all: they're facts! The folks who disagree aren't questioning our assumptions, they're ignoring the facts.⁠
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But even peer-reviewed scientific studies come with the assumption that those involved in the work are honest.⁠
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I am very comfortable making that assumption—but not everyone is. So, before we get into heated arguments about wearing masks indoors and decide the other is selfish and delusional, or naive and gullible, let's pause and figure out which assumptions we don't agree on. Then we can talk.⁠
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Even within your own head: do not allow assumptions to become untouchable. So many "facts" about the nature of the world are just assumptions created by an overly-cautious voice in your head. ⁠
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"No one wants ___," "society expects ___," "I can't do ___;" these aren't facts. They're stories you choose to believe, and when you root out the assumptions they’re built on, you can choose to change them.