On Base Questions

One thing I have an issue with nowadays is discerning truth from illusion, or truth and fiction. Who can be trusted to tell the truth? Whose knowledge is verifiable? How exactly can someone be extremely knowledgeable in one regard but completely lack expertise in another? What information do I choose to integrate? Should I even integrate anything they’re saying at all? What is their motive, their agenda? How can I assess one’s character? How can we determine what’s worthwhile for ourselves? Why do some relationships end, and some blossom into lifelong friendships? What is the goal of human endeavor? Will the answer to the previous question differ on a person-by-person basis? What are some of the ways we can provide service? In other words, how do we provide of ourselves in a way that is good for the sake of being good, and not just for a monetary or social gain?

I asked the questions, and I answered them as best I could.
Here are my answers:

Who can be trusted to tell the truth?

That depends, some people are good for truths in some areas, and woefully inept at doing so in other points.
Truth is lived, by me. It’s the things I’ve done, the things I’ve experienced, or thankfully truths stumbled upon by observing the mistakes others have made.

Whose knowledge is verifiable?

When it comes to knowledge, you should keep in mind that some people are knowledgeable, but others wise. It’s the case of theory, or on paper, vs. in actual practice. Those who keep to their word, are consistent, are more likely to have verifiable knowledge. Those who have achieved actual results by applying their knowledge are more likely to have stumbled over and over again in this world by living their truths.

How exactly can someone be extremely knowledgeable in one regard but completely lack expertise in another?

I have a word for you. Specialization. Being very good at doing one specific thing. You don’t want to spread your energies too thin, there’s only 4000 weeks, and you can’t do everything you wish you could do in one lifetime. Sure, there are outliers in history, but that’s what they are: outliers.

What information do I choose to integrate?

Information from reputable sources. Books. Everyone. I say everyone, because every person on this planet has a lived truth.

Should I even integrate anything they’re saying at all?

You listen to them. One thing humans are great at doing is telling stories. Hopefully they’re being genuine.

What is their motive, their agenda?

Again, depends on the person. For the most part, people, at the base level, want attention. But Dale Carnegie phrases this as a “desire to feel important.” Both villains and heroes have that in common.

How can I assess one’s character?

Their adherence to acting rightly, and how firmly they hold to their proclaimed values.

How can we determine what’s worthwhile for ourselves?

Survival. Behaviors that enlarge life rather than diminish it. Our values, or simply just doing what we enjoy. We have to take note, however, that a lot of the things worth pursuing require some degree of effort, maybe even temporary pain or discomfort.

Why do some relationships end, and some blossom into lifelong friendships?

I’m 28, in my late 20s by this point. I had to learn the hard way that the friends you hang out when you’re drinking or using aren’t really your friends. And two sick people trying to help each other is just codependency. So right now, I have 0 friends. And few family. And I’m just beginning to learn how to have a lifelong friendship with myself.

What is the goal of human endeavor?

For me, I just want to find someone who gets me. Someone who accepts me, flaws and all. I want it. I want all of it. A place to stay, a wife and kids. I’m open to the possibility of this being a non-possibility, but I still dream of it.

Will the answer to the previous question differ on a person-by-person basis?

Idk, you tell me. I’m just guessing that people want a life shared with others.

What are some of the ways we can provide service?

Through small acts of kindness for the sake of being kind. A genuine compliment. A show that you’re thinking of them. Small gifts. Listening deeply to them.

In other words, how do we provide of ourselves in a way that is good for the sake of being good, and not just for a monetary or social gain?

Genuinely caring, and genuinely sharing.