"The truth exists, it doesn't need your opinion!"

As someone who's always on the hunt for captivating phrases in the words of friends, teachers, coaches, and even movie scripts, I'm thrilled to discover expressions that their creators might have spent years crafting. These gems help me shape my awareness, thoughts, and opinions about human relationships and different definitions of concepts. Such expressions don't need to be written down because, once heard, they resonate deeply within me, shattering false assumptions and transforming my perspective. I'm excited to share one of these expressions with you!

Beirut - June 2019

While I was in a safe space, engaged in a lively discussion about a controversial issue concerning Syrian affairs, one of the audience members passionately exclaimed, "The truth exists, and it doesn't need your opinion!"

Hey there, amazing friends diving into those internal issues in this vibrant blue space! As you chat and share ideas or events from behind your screens, let's get real:

- How much of what you discuss is just noise? What "percentage" of it helps us coexist, and how much are you willing to twist when sharing facts and data?

- How much are you willing to sway your audience's emotions, or create misleading perceptions and assumptions just because something doesn't fit your narrative or beliefs? Are you flipping right and wrong just to suit your viewpoint?

- What's the percentage of ignoring or denying events just because acknowledging them would make your argument crumble, and that's not what you're aiming for?

Why divide humanity? Let's build a better part of it, attract all the empathy we can, and let the rest follow!

If the truth is out there and we both know it, what do we call what you're spreading or how you're thinking? Is it an attempt to unify minds by forcing one opinion, creating a one-track mindset, or is it a selfish individualistic culture, deception, intimidation, or a rejection of diverse cultures?

Differences are real, but they're not the problem. The issue arises when we exploit those differences we find unacceptable.

Lebanon 2017