Everything Looks Like a Nail

“To a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail.” 

(The Economist attributed this quote to Mark Twain though I am trying to independently confirm the source.)

I find this quote illuminating. It explains why two people can observe or experience the same things and understand them quite differently. As humans, we view and interpret data– situations, people etc.– based on our own history, knowledge and skills. Our tools. For some the tool is a hammer but there is a vast array of tools– just check out a Home Depot’s tool aisle.

This led my thoughts back to a paper I had read about interpreting history. When trying to explain major trends or events in history the cause will always be an economic one to an economist, a political one to a political scientist or a religious one to clergy. In most cases while any one interpretation may be supportable and logical, the reality is that there were many forces at work.

I see corollaries in the workplace where lawyers, accountants, marketers, communicators or human resources professionals will see problems and suggest solutions solely from their area of specialty. It is the person or team that can integrate multiple perspectives that will be most effective.

To make this idea more personal, think of families. Husbands, wives and children tend to have different tools. Being self aware enough to recognize this and wise enough to understand the others’ tools can be the difference between anger and bliss. 

I greatly admire those, like Twain, who can find a few words to convey so much.

“To a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail.” 

Note to self. Work on being clever and succinct enough to have an illuminating quote that lives into the next century.

13 Years Ago Today

It was a clean, crisp fall day. Friends, family, and my about to be son were all there to witness. I said my vows, just messed up once. The next thing I knew I was married.  To a beautiful woman.

Would do it again.

What to Believe?

Truth.

How do you know what truth is? Which “facts” are valid and which theories provide reasoned extrapolations of the facts? Many of the big and little decisions we make in our lives  depend on being able to distinguish fact from fiction.

This is especially important for me. I am one of those people who want as much fact and certainty as possible before making a decision. Many people I know go more on intuition or gut. Sometimes you have to do the latter because the facts just are not there. (We can debate another day which type of person makes better decisions. Certainly my type takes longer.)

This is often on my mind. I am raising it now because of two posts I recently read. First, Jeff at Phidoux had some interesting thoughts about the high price of gas. Then Scott Adams had a debate with himself about what to believe about global warming.

We all, even scientists, determine what we accept as fact in part based on our belief systems. For example, I am in general more of an intellect guy than a faith guy and therefore, I believe the evidence supporting evolution rather than intelligent design. I am also more liberal than conservative on social issues and so I believe the science supporting that people impact global warming.

These are meant as just two examples. They are two for which  I am highly confident that I am right. And yet others disagree.  So I leave with a few questions.

How do we know what is truth–or at least fact?

How do we convince those who disagree– without violence?

What kind of social and political system best facilitates people of varying opinions and views about truth living in peace and making good decisions?