Chapter 1: Understanding Reality

In navigating the complexities of existence, I adopt an agnostic stance toward everything. I approach reality with gentleness, recognizing that even our most advanced scientific understandings leave much to be desired regarding the essence of reality itself. While we possess various perceptions and interpretations of reality, science has developed tools intended to clarify our understanding. Yet, I remain uncertain whether these instruments align with our lived experiences. Ultimately, I have come to understand that our perception of reality is largely a construct of our minds.

My agnosticism extends to all aspects of life. I have endeavored to establish beliefs, but I find them often disappointing. Beliefs cultivate expectations, which frequently lead to letdowns. Consequently, I discard those beliefs that do not serve me. I actively test my theories about people, places, and situations, retaining only those that prove beneficial. Anything that falls short of this is left behind.

The media can easily ensnare us with its predictions and interpretations. The truth is that most information we encounter is subjective, shaped by specific viewpoints and limited knowledge of the events being discussed. It seems that the universe has a way of compelling us to collaborate in order to unravel its mysteries.

One illustrative example of this concept is found in a video by Destin Wilson Sandlin, an engineer and science communicator known for his series Smarter Every Day. He delves into the intricacies of measuring the speed of light, highlighting that it is always assessed in a round trip. This method is necessary because moving two synchronized clocks apart changes the frame of reference for one of them, demonstrating how little we truly grasp about the universe.

We often find ourselves feeling our way through the dark, as our eyes can only perceive a narrow portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. While we experience the passage of time, our perception is confined to the present moment, despite emerging evidence suggesting that time may not be linear. Our sensory abilities—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste—are limited, relying heavily on our brains to interpret them.

Donald Hoffman, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, has explored the limitations of our perception extensively. He points out that a significant portion of our brain—about one-third—is dedicated to visual processing. This part of the brain constructs a version of reality that allows us to perceive our surroundings effectively.

Hoffman has introduced a concept known as the Interface Theory of Perception, proposing that what we see is akin to desktop icons that represent a more profound reality. In his abstract, he explains that:

"Perception is a product of evolution. Our perceptual systems have been shaped by natural selection, much like our physical attributes. By studying these perceptions through evolutionary games and genetic algorithms, we can classify and understand how they have developed. We find that true perceptions are often overshadowed by non-veridical ones, suggesting that our perception is less about revealing the truth and more about guiding adaptive behavior."

In essence, Hoffman argues that our perception is designed for survival rather than an accurate depiction of reality. When I observe a plant, I am creating an abstraction that allows my limited brain to make sense of it for survival purposes. The same applies when I encounter a predator; I don’t need to grasp every detail about it to respond appropriately.

As I focus on the predator, countless processes are happening simultaneously. Neutrinos from the sun pass through me, sounds occur, and light interacts with countless particles. My concern is not with the intricacies of the predator's biology but rather its potential threat to my safety. This abstraction allows me to expend minimal effort while still ensuring my survival.

My sensory perceptions are tailored for survival; I don’t require exhaustive knowledge about everything I encounter. For instance, new discoveries about sunflowers emerge daily, and even a team of scientists can spend years studying them yet still not uncover every secret.

Thus, I maintain an agnostic approach towards everything. I may make plans, like scheduling a doctor's appointment, but I do so with a sense of caution, understanding that unforeseen events can disrupt my intentions. I keep my expectations modest to avoid disappointment.

During my time working in the sheet metal industry, a foreman once advised, "I keep my expectations low to avoid disappointment." This wisdom has become a guiding principle in my life. Initially, it took hard lessons for me to adopt this mindset, but now I approach relationships and circumstances with minimal expectations.

Low expectations have a beneficial side effect: optimism. When my expectations are modest, I experience joy when things exceed those expectations. This mindset fosters a sense of independence from external factors for my happiness. I deliberately choose not to rely on others for my contentment, maintaining a belief in my ability to find joy regardless of circumstances.

Faith, in contrast to belief, embodies a reservation of judgment. By remaining agnostic, I reserve my judgment, allowing me to witness events unfold without bias or preconceived notions. Keeping expectations low helps me navigate life with an open mind, letting the outcomes guide my understanding.

Chapter 2: The Power of Perspective

Through this lens of agnosticism and reduced expectations, I approach life with a sense of curiosity and adaptability.