The Greek philosopher Heraclitus has been referenced as saying “nothing endures but change,” along with its more popularized version “the only constant is change.” Yet isn’t it interesting that the most feared and resisted efforts in our individual search of reality and truth are those which require change in us.

Recognizing and accepting the need for new acceptances and implementations, or the forfeiture of ideas and practices that inhibit our progress or accomplishments, somehow seems to be highly objectionable and far less favorable to our comfortable patterns of compliancy. But if “change is the only constant”, why do we resist it so?

Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer tells that there is an indelible human trait in which the search for ‘truth’, about all issues, passes through three distinct stages. First, it is ridiculed. Next, it is violently opposed. Last, it is accepted as self evident. We’ve all seen this demonstrated many times and as leaders it’s a reality we have to live everyday.

For example, five hundred years ago society believed that the earth was flat and at the center of the universe. The villagers watched as a boat sailed out to sea. As it reached the horizon, it disappeared and never returned. So, it was only natural that the seaside fishing village, beset with loss and fear, began to respond to the “only” logical conclusion: the boat fell off the edge of the world.

After all, the “truth” was boiled down to a few perfectly clear observations: that when a boat reached the horizon, an obvious straight line, it fell out of sight and never returned. The villagers simply responded with a precaution, they only fished within sight of the shore. It made perfect sense. It mitigated danger and reduced the loss of life.

Soon, the people forgot about the original incident and the belief that the world was flat became a habit. With the passage of time, anyone who had the temerity to suggest otherwise was ridiculed for their unfounded beliefs and the more adamant were invariably burnt at the stake. It wasn’t until the Magellan expedition’s circumnavigation of the globe in 1522 that the reality of a round earth was finally acknowledged as being “self evident”.

Schopenhauer suggests that the reason why ‘truth’ goes through these three stages is that humans, in general, are reluctant to give up beliefs, as to the nature of reality, because they have invested a lifetime of expense and effort in arriving at those beliefs.

Acknowledging that a perception of reality may no longer be applicable, in the light of new evidence, usually leaves one with an uncomfortable choice of foregoing the paradigm that they are accustom to in favor of something that is new and not yet properly defined.

Few have the courage or strength of character to follow such a course of action, because it often results in the personal discomfort and skepticism that is associated with new ideas and the fear of the unknown, not to mention the vociferous ridicule their contemporaries may display toward anything new.

This kind of situation is exacerbated by the fact that those who question society’s prevailing orthodoxy are by definition dissenters who, by “rocking the boat,” tend to threaten the very lifestyle and comfort of all those around them who hold to the prevailing orthodox position. History has shown that it is for this reason why dissenters have been relentlessly pursued and persecuted by their contemporaries.

It follows reason then that Schopenhauer might suggest the following reminders to anyone in a position of leadership:

  1. Leaders have to be willing to accept the ridicule and opposition of their ideas, visions and dreams. When you have the ability to create and see a better tomorrow, those with limited vision will fearfully try to pull you back to yesterday.
  2. Leaders need to demonstrate the truth of their vision while others are violently opposing it. Through their consistent daily actions leaders begin to build an unwavering foundation of knowledge and truth that gradually inspires the followers to follow.
  3. By the time the leader’s vision has been implemented and accepted and others are finally accepting these truths, the leader has already moved forward discovering and uncovering the next inspiring truth.

Consider then your own views, biases, habits and opinions. Are there outdated influences or deceptions interfering with your real objectives, or is there an inordinate amount of opposition to your efforts and energy? Maybe you’re closer to the ‘truth’ than you think.

 

“It is a puzzling thing. The truth knocks on the door, and you say, ’Go away, I’m looking for the truth,’ and so it goes away. Puzzling.” - Robert M. Pirsig