universal truth examples for essays

Columns > Published on August 12th, 2020

Storyville: Universal Truths Can Help Your Readers Relate

In my classes I talk about a lot of different ways to structure your stories and make them work. I talk about Freytag a lot—that narrative hook, inciting incident, exposition, rising tension, internal and external conflicts, leading to a resolution, change, and denouement. That’s very important. I also talk about writing across three levels to really appeal to the widest readership:

• on a physical level, with the action, moving the chess pieces around, tapping into the external conflict, being entertaining;
• on an emotional level, going deeper, understanding the internal conflicts, the motivation as well as hopes and fears;
• on a mental and spiritual level, the more complex insights, allowing for epiphany and deeper understanding.

That’s body, mind, and soul right there. I also talk about large brush strokes and unique details—and that’s where I think the universal truths come in.

What universal truths can do is leave room for the reader to relate, allow them to find empathy and sympathy, and keep them nodding their head, as you try to get an emotional reaction out of them. It’s hard to find things in the universe that are TRUE, but I’ll try to list some examples below to show you how universal truths can help to make your stories a more rewarding experience, and allow your audience to embrace your narrative, while they (hopefully) have some visceral reactions. Let’s dig in.

I think that love is probably one of the strongest emotions you can write about, and one of the best ways to get your readers to react. Hopefully, everyone reading has fallen in love at some point in their life, so they can relate to that. But there are all kinds of love:

• familial love—how you feel about your family;
• romantic love—your soul mate or significant other;
• lustful love—the passion and sensuality;
• playful love—that of friendship and common interests;
• and the love of certain things—whether it’s pepperoni pizza, Radiohead, or freshly cut grass.

There is so much here. Would you be surprised if I told that a HUGE number of stories have love as the internal conflict? How many stories, books, television shows, and films have an internal conflict that basically boils down to wanting to be loved, seen, valued, and respected? Everything from Batman and Midsommar , to Breaking Bad and Of Mice and Men , to Come Closer and Moonlight . This is a great universal truth to work with. Tap into your own life and experience, and then expand it through the world around you—via friends, family, books, and film.  

Another universal truth is loss. We have all lost something (or someone) in our lives. It could be the loss of a valued job, the loss of a good friend, the loss of a great love, or the loss of somebody to death. So when you write about loss, no, your reader has not been to Mars, or shot through black holes, or battled werewolves in the desert (most likely) but they can understand the sacrifice of making a decision that will end up in loss or death, to benefit a loved one, or the death of one for the good of the many. Much like love, when we tap into that feeling of loss, we tap into what it feels like not just to lose, to fail, but to have something be gone forever. Sometimes it’s us, sometimes it’s them. I think of my story, “Repent,” and the decision the father has to make, and what the price is he pays to save his son. It’s that LOSS that really resonates. Not just to all of the fathers out there reading, but any parent, or any human being that can understand the ultimate sacrifice for somebody else. I think of films like The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind , or Leon the Professional , or (depending on how you interpret the ending), Inception . We’ve all lost, so this is a good truth to work with, in many ways, the opposite sensation of love, right?

I’ll build on loss with death. I know that death is used way too much in fiction. There are fates far worse than death, right? But death is the ultimate loss. When it comes to universal truths, look at your life and think back to all of those moments you’ve experienced, starting with the first. For me, it was witnessing a man plunge to his death off the St. Louis Arch when I was 13, that was my first brush with death in the real world. It was horrible, so much blood—a sheen as wide as a leg of the arch. Then it was losing a friend in college, who stole my fake ID, went down to the bars, and fell over a railing, drowning in a creek, in a foot of water. Then it was my grandma, who I loved very much, the only person in my family who would actually read my writing in college, so very supportive and kind. Later, my friend Martin would die prematurely at the age of 54, and would end up haunting me, his shadow at the end of my bed—so angry. My father passed away a few years ago of cancer, but they kept him on life support until I could come down from Chicago to St. Louis to say goodbye. I yelled at him, I thanked him for all that he did for me, and I told him I loved him. I cried. Somewhere in here, in my examples, maybe there is something that resonates with you. But be cautious of using death as a crutch.

So whether your family is a good one or a dysfunctional mess—it’s all we have, right? I had somebody recently ask me why so many of my stories were about families, and I thought, “No, that isn’t right.” Then I looked at my work and was surprised by how many DID have a strong family component—the previously mentioned “Repent,” for example, as well as “How Not to Come Undone,” “Chrysalis,” “Golden Sun” (in The Best Horror of the Year, co-written with Michael Wehunt, Damien Angelica Walters, and Kristi DeMeester), and “The Offering on the Hill,” for example. So when you talk about family, people know where you are coming from. If you have a more traditional nuclear family—with a mom, dad, sister, and/or brother—that’s one way to show it. Not to mention grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. But you could also have two dads, two moms, there could be divorce, there could be an only child, or seven siblings. There are so many ways this family structure can be explored—in the successes, or more likely, the failures, abuses, and dysfunction.

This is a good one for horror, especially, but EVERY genre has conflicts, that we build into those internal and external conflicts. There should be anxiety, fear, worry, and uncertainty. What you can tap into are broad fears. We mentioned loss and death, but you can play around with so many fears. Not just specifically like in a fear of spiders, water, open spaces, mirrors, or sharp objects. But broader, deeper, more philosophical fears—the fear of the uncanny, the fear of impermanence, the fear of futility. So when you pair up a couple of these it can get really interesting. What is the fear in cosmic horror? I think it’s the fear that we are so inconsequential, that we have no chance in battling old gods, or ancient aliens, or something we can’t even comprehend. So having the evil, the monster, be something that cannot be defeated? That’s terrifying. Now, what usually happens is we FIND that Achilles heel, but that’s the story then, right? When I write a horror story I try to tap into so many different fears—that the evil is already here, inside the house (or your mind, or body); that the woods, the water, the beach are not safe places, and what’s coming you can’t anticipate or comprehend, but I’ll give you clues anyway; that the horror is you, and what you are about to do is either necessary or incredibly selfish, but it’s going to happen anyway, and how do you feel about that, how can you get out? It’s possession, it’s spirits, it’s the uncanny, it’s the unknown…and then it’s the KNOWN, oh GOD why did I want to know, WHY didn’t I run faster, and what the hell is that?

IN CONCLUSION

This is not an exhaustive list, it’s probably just the tip of the iceberg, but I tried to write about some universal truths that I not only use in my work, but think may be common in yours as well.  So when it comes to your stories, think about those truths that have broad appeal, but are also personal to you, and your life. That balance between using a large brush to slap on the paint that is your truth, with the scalpel that you use to sculpt, and trim, and hone the emotions, trimming away the fat—that can be a powerful experience. Best of luck!

About the author

Richard Thomas is the award-winning author of seven books: three novels— Disintegration and Breaker (Penguin Random House Alibi), as well as Transubstantiate (Otherworld Publications); three short story collections— Staring into the Abyss (Kraken Press), Herniated Roots (Snubnose Press), and Tribulations (Cemetery Dance); and one novella in The Soul Standard (Dzanc Books). With over 140 stories published, his credits include The Best Horror of the Year (Volume Eleven), Cemetery Dance (twice) , Behold!: Oddities, Curiosities and Undefinable Wonders (Bram Stoker winner), PANK, storySouth, Gargoyle, Weird Fiction Review, Midwestern Gothic, Gutted: Beautiful Horror Stories, Qualia Nous, Chiral Mad (numbers 2-4), and Shivers VI (with Stephen King and Peter Straub). He has won contests at ChiZine and One Buck Horror, has received five Pushcart Prize nominations, and has been long-listed for Best Horror of the Year six times. He was also the editor of four anthologies: The New Black and Exigencies (Dark House Press), The Lineup: 20 Provocative Women Writers (Black Lawrence Press) and Burnt Tongues (Medallion Press) with Chuck Palahniuk. He has been nominated for the Bram Stoker, Shirley Jackson, and Thriller awards. In his spare time he is a columnist at Lit Reactor and Editor-in-Chief at Gamut Magazine . His agent is Paula Munier at Talcott Notch. For more information visit www.whatdoesnotkillme.com .

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What Is A Universal Statement In Writing? (Explained)

From high school essays to legal briefs, the humble universal statement forms the foundation of compelling arguments by making broad assertions applicable to multiple situations.

What is a universal statement in writing?

A universal statement in writing is a bold declaration claiming a truth true for all members of a group. These pronouncements paint broad strokes across ideas, demanding attention and inviting contemplation. They can act as powerful hooks, bolster arguments, or leave lasting impressions.

This guide is like a secret code to understanding these universal statements and how to use them.

Universal Statement Defined (Full Explanation)

Table of Contents

A universal statement in writing refers to a sweeping declaration that applies to an entire category or group of people, places, things, or ideas.

Universal statements make sweeping generalizations about all members of a class rather than referring to specific instances.

For example, “All mammals are warm-blooded creatures,” is a universal statement as it refers to all mammals rather than a particular mammal species.

Effective writers may utilize universal statements to make compelling arguments accessible to readers.

By presenting an overriding claim about a whole class of things up front, a writer can efficiently establish a forceful assertion before providing more specific evidence or analysis.

Universal statements present an opportunity to grab readers’ attention with a bold, ambitious declaration before zeroing in on details.

Consequently, such statements can lend confident foundations to essays, legal briefs, political speeches, and more in both written and verbal communication.

Here is a video that also answers the question, “What is a universal statement in writing?”

Types of Universal Statements in Writing

There are many types of universal statements that writers employ:

• Definitional statements set parameters by asserting an overarching definition for a class, such as “All quadrilaterals have four sides.”
• Categorical claims group members together, like “All mammals are warm-blooded animals.”
• Normative statements declare what’s normal for a group, as in “Book reviews typically assess strengths and weaknesses.”
• Quality statements describe a common trait, including “All metals conduct electricity.”
• Capability claims suggest potential, like “Any student can learn coding with practice.”
• Quantitative statements provide an overarching quantity, like “All nucleotides contain one phosphate group.”
• Causal statements imply causation, as in “Lack of sleep universally impacts focus.”
• Assertions make declarative truisms like “All mortal beings eventually die.”
• Assumptions articulate a premise, like “All socioeconomic classes include hard-working people.”
• Value statements assign worth, for instance “All human life has intrinsic value.”
• Instructive statements give directives, like “Always proofread writing for errors.”

What Are the Characteristics of a Universal Statement?

Universal statements have distinct characteristics that set them apart as building blocks of compelling written arguments.

Let’s look at the most important characteristics.

Makes Broad Declarations

Universal statements make wide-reaching assertions that cover entire groups.

For instance, claiming “All insects have six legs” is a broad declaration about all members of the insect category rather than a specific instance.

By establishing the ambitious scope of the claim upfront, universal statements lay foundations for forceful arguments.

Refer to Groups, Not Individuals

Unlike bounded claims about particular cases, universal statements concern whole groups.

“Dogs make loyal pets” is a universal statement about the behavioral tendencies of all dogs. Claims limited to individual instances like “My neighbor’s dog Pepper is loyal” lack the sweeping scope of universal statements.

This group-wide breadth lends authoritative weight when applied judiciously.

Typically Declarative Sentences

Sentences stating facts or positions are grammatically declarative.

Most universal claims make bold declarations like “All democracies hold elections.” Asking “Do all totalitarians seek control?” would not qualify.

The declarative certainty about entire categories gives universal statements their assertive power.

Universal Statement Vs. Targeted Statement: What’s the Difference?

Universal statements make sweeping claims encompassing entire groups, while targeted statements have a more limited scope focusing on particular cases.

Savvy writers combine both statement types fluidly.

There are key differences between these two types of statements:

Pros and Cons of Universal Statements

On the pro side, universals offer instant clarity and authority.

They condense complex ideas into easily digestible bite-sized truths, simplifying your argument and grabbing reader interest.

Additionally, a well-placed universal can imbue your writing with a sense of conviction and unwavering belief, lending persuasiveness to your cause.

However, universals are inherently fragile.

By claiming a truth holds for all, you risk inviting contradiction. A single exception can topple your carefully constructed statement, undermining your credibility and leaving readers skeptical.

Moreover, overreliance on universals can paint you as dogmatic and unwilling to acknowledge nuance or complexity.

This can alienate readers who value diverse perspectives and open-mindedness.

Therefore, use universals strategically, considering their potential drawbacks.

When employed judiciously, they can strengthen your writing. But remember, the truth rarely resides in absolutes.

Leave room for exceptions, embrace complexity, and let your writing breathe – after all, isn’t that what good writing is all about?

Examples of Universal Statements in Writing

One of the most helpful ways that I learned to use universal statements is to read lots of examples.

Browse through this section to find 50 good examples.

Definitional Statements

• All triangles have three sides and three angles.
• A haiku consists of seventeen syllables arranged in 5-7-5 rhythm.
• A chemical element is defined by its unique atomic number.
• All novels by Jane Austen feature witty social commentary.
• A pandemic necessitates widespread containment measures.

Categorical Claims

• All reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates with scales.
• Every continent except Antarctica has at least one active volcano.
• All nouns in the English language can be singular or plural.
• Every living organism needs water to survive.
• All planets in our solar system orbit the sun in an elliptical path.

Normative Statements

• Formal academic essays typically require a thesis statement.
• Handshakes are a common greeting in Western cultures.
• Wedding ceremonies traditionally involve vows exchanged between partners.
• Most countries have laws prohibiting murder and theft.
• Scientific research must follow rigorous methodologies to ensure accuracy.

Quality Statements

• All diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral on Earth.
• Every atom carries a positive or negative electric charge.
• Photosynthesis requires sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
• All muscles in the human body contract in response to nerve impulses.
• Laughter is a universal human expression of joy and amusement.

Capability Claims

• With dedication, anyone can cultivate a green thumb.
• With proper training, humans can learn to scuba dive in various conditions.
• Every language speaker can learn additional languages with effort.
• Through perseverance, artists can hone their skills and create masterpieces.
• By embracing curiosity, all individuals can expand their knowledge horizons.

Quantitative Statements

• All human adults have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
• Our amazing planet Earth spins around like a giant top, taking about 24 hours to complete one full turn.
• Each year, the Milky Way galaxy travels through space at 220 kilometers per second.
• No matter where you are in the universe, light always goes that same super-fast speed.
• All elements with even atomic numbers are typically non-metals.

Causal Statements

• Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer.
• High levels of stress can weaken the immune system.
• As if governed by the cosmos’s own sense of fairness, for each push there is a pull, for each cause there is an effect – when one force acts, another force awakens to balance it out, keeping the grand kinetic dance of the universe flowing eternally onward.
• Regular physical activity promotes physical and mental well-being.
• A balanced diet containing essential nutrients is crucial for optimal health.
• When the thermometer hits the century mark in Celsius or the two-twelve benchmark in Fahrenheit, water reaches its boiling point if you’re at sea level.
• Time is a one-dimensional, irreversible phenomenon.
• All living things experience birth, growth, reproduction, and death.
• Out of the eight planets orbiting our Sun, Earth stands alone as the sole nurturer of life.
• Gravity exerts a constant downward pull on all objects with mass.

Assumptions

• Every society relies on some form of communication system.
• Education plays a crucial role in individual and societal development.
• Scientific progress requires open-mindedness and critical thinking.
• Creativity and innovation are vital drivers of human progress.
• Empathy and compassion are essential for building positive relationships.

Value Statements

• All individuals have the right to life, liberty, and security of person.
• Education is a fundamental human right for all.
• Environmental protection is a collective responsibility for the present and future generations.
• Artistic expression has the power to challenge perspectives and inspire action.
• Kindness and generosity are timeless virtues worth cultivating.

Instructive Statements

• Always prioritize safety when engaging in any physical activity.
• Respect diverse viewpoints and engage in constructive dialogue.
• Be mindful of your impact on the environment and make sustainable choices.
• Never underestimate the power of listening and offering support.
• Embrace lifelong learning and strive to continually expand your knowledge.

How to Use Universal Statements in Writing

Used strategically, these statements can become potent tools in your writing arsenal, shaping your message and captivating your audience.

Let’s explore five prime situations where universals shine:

Hooking Your Reader: The Captivating Opener

Universal statements can be like literary sirens, drawing readers in with their inherent intrigue.

Begin your piece with a thought-provoking absolute, a truth so undeniable it compels further exploration.

Imagine starting an essay on procrastination with, “All good intentions pave the road to eventual ‘meh.'”

Such a statement instantly sparks curiosity: will the writer dissect this universal truth? How will they challenge or support it?

This is the power of the opening universal – it sets the stage for a captivating journey.

The Sharpened Sword: Countering Opposing Views

Universals can be weapons in the intellectual joust, offering powerful rebuttals to opposing arguments.

When faced with dissent, consider deploying a well-placed universal that undermines your opponent’s claims.

For instance, in a debate about social media’s impact, countering “Social media fosters real connection” with the universal “All interactions, virtual or real, require genuine effort to build true connection” shifts the focus away from the platform and towards individual behavior.

This approach subtly weakens the opposing argument while subtly strengthening your own.

Leaving a Lasting Impression: The Memorable Conclusion

The final lines of your writing offer a chance to leave a lasting echo in your reader’s mind.

Consider ending with a universal statement that encapsulates the essence of your piece, offering a takeaway that resonates long after the final period. Did you write a poignant essay on resilience?

Conclude with, “Every storm eventually gives way to sunshine.”

This universal truth, while simple, reinforces the essay’s message of hope and leaves the reader with a sense of optimism.

Building Bridges: Fostering Shared Understanding

Universals have the power to transcend individual perspectives and connect us through shared truths.

By weaving universals about human nature, emotions, or experiences into your writing, you invite readers to recognize themselves and their world within your words.

A travelogue describing the awe-inspiring vastness of a desert could end with, “All hearts, no matter their origin, beat faster in the face of the sublime.”

This universal statement acknowledges the shared human experience of wonder.

It also fosters a sense of connection between writer and reader.

The Call to Action: Inspiring Change

Universals can be catalysts for change, igniting a spark of motivation within your audience.

Conclude your persuasive writing with a call to action bolstered by a universal statement.

Did you write an impassioned plea for environmental conservation?

End with, “Every small step, when taken by all, becomes a giant leap for our planet.”

This universal truth not only reinforces the importance of individual action but also inspires a sense of collective responsibility, prompting readers to join the movement for a better future.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Universal Statement in Writing?

The world of absolutes is a seductive siren song, but true mastery lies in wielding them like a double-edged sword.

So, challenge yourself – weave universals into your writing, but do so with purpose, with precision, and with a deep respect for the tapestry of perspectives that enrich our shared human story.

Read This Next:

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• Operative Words (Overview, Lists, And 100 Examples)
• 50 Best Counterclaim Transition Words (+ Examples)
• 100 Most Beautiful Words in the English Language

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Argument Essay: Evidence

9 min read • october 30, 2020

Stephanie Kirk

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Review all units live with expert teachers & students

We aren’t sure where it started, but many teachers use REHUGO to help students find evidence on the Argument FRQ .  This acronym provides a quick check that can help you build logical evidence that supports your claim .

R - Reading - Something you have read, fiction or nonfiction, that connects the given topic.

E - Entertainment - A movie or song with dialogue or lyrics that present related ideas.

H - History - An event, document, speech, or person from history that aligns with the given topic.

U - Universal Truths - A common maxim or socially-accepted quote people tend to accept as truth.

G - Government - A national or international current event or governmental situation related to the topic.

O - Observations - Any cultural, technical, or societal trend that relates to the topic.

Suggested Guided Questions for the Argument FRQ

Now that you have a better understanding of the Argument FRQ ’s expectations and scoring, let’s visit a sample prompt and add a few guided questions that you can use to help plan your own writings.

Guided Question 1: What does the prompt say?

Why do I do this? Understanding the concept or idea presented by the prompt is vital to planning a response that thoroughly addresses the prompt and stays on topic throughout.  This is where you are going to BAT the PROMPT .

What does it look like?   Break down the prompt to identify what the given assertion is saying to decide what your position on the given topic will be.

Background : Gladwell asserts that society should trust each other in order to continue to be productive. Assuming the best about each other presents a better outcome than assuming the worst about each other.

Advice : The new stable prompt wording does not give much advice , but you should revisit advice you learned in class or from us as Fiveable -- things like using Toulmin to plan your response and planning modes of development that help progress your reasoning.

Task : Write an essay giving your position about the importance of trust. Specifically, is Gladwell right or wrong? And why?

🎥 Watch: AP Lang - Argumentation, Part I: It's a Trap!

Rhetorical Situation : When writing for AP Lang, it is important to consider the rhetorical situation and write in a manner that demonstrates an understanding of all elements of that situation. 

Context - the historical, social, and cultural movements in the time of the text

Occasion - special circumstances, atmosphere, attitudes, and events surrounding the creation of the text

Exigence - the urgency that leads to an action

Purpose - the goal the speaker wants to achieve and the desired audience movement

Speaker - the person or group who creates a text

Persona - the “mask” shown to his/her audience

Audience - listener, viewer, or reader of a text

Think : The goal is to present the information in a way the audience will understand ( diction / syntax ). May have a primary audience , but a secondary or unintended audience may be created if the text ends up on social media, etc.

Image Courtesy of Dana Anderson, Writing Unleashed

Guided Question 2: What do I think?

Why do I do this?   Taking a moment to brainstorm ideas can help organize thoughts and build an outline that you can revisit if you lose your train of thought in the stress of timed writing.  

What does it look like?   This might just be stream-of-consciousness in your head, cloud diagrams, or even bulleted notes on the side of your prompt, but it needs to end with a clear position statement you can use for your thesis statement . For example:

Trust is important. It does suck to get betrayed though but having a positive outlook creates positive results. Thinking the worst makes people act negatively because they project in a way that leads toward the worst response. ⬇️

Thesis Statement : Although some people believe humanity seems self-interested, a trusting nature enables individuals to focus on the positive and treat others with the respect that foster positive interrelationships.

Guided Question 3: What evidence can I use?

Why do I do this?   Revisit REHUGO and use Toulmin to plan your body paragraphs based on the thesis statement you came to when brainstorming ideas.

Modes of Development : When writing, it is helpful to arrange the overall essay and its parts in a way that aligns with the purpose .  Consider these basic modes and how you might use them in writing an argumentative essay.

Cause and Effect attempt to follow the chain of events and establish causation. The description brings imagery and details into a text so that it set up the tone and ensures the reader can follow the mood.

Classification allows the speaker to categorize things in a way that guides the reader to follow the line of reasoning.

Comparison , looking at the similarities and differences, helps to analyze the intricate details of a given topic.  Because this describes differing elements, it may be structured by the element or by the characteristic.

Definition works to explain what something is or is not. By defining the subject being discussed, the speaker is able to control the thinking about that subject.  Because this helps to clarify the topic, it is generally used in the introductory section of argumentation.

Exemplification is used when explaining the topic or situation by giving examples to help lead the audience to the desired conclusion.

Narration tells a story or gives an anecdote to help illustrate the point.

Process Analysis serves to explain the process by which something is done.

What does it look like?   I always use a version of the T-chart because one side is my evidence and the other side helps me consider multiple perspectives.  You may not have an idea in all areas, and you may have multiple ideas in one area. Try to time yourself so that you get plenty of strong evidence without wasting too much time.

🎥 Watch: AP Lang - Review: Argument Body Paragraphs

PRO TIP: What if you have more evidence for the other side? Well, you haven’t started writing just yet, so it isn’t too late to go back and revise the thesis statement . Sometimes this happens in looking for evidence, and that’s perfectly okay.  In fact, many times students will say they wrote an essay using evidence that went completely against what they felt in their head or heart just because they couldn’t put a logical argument on paper without getting too emotional. Know your audience , and build your argument.

Guided Question 4: How should I effectively organize my response?

Why do I do this?   This step helps to outline the response so that your ideas are organized before you start writing.  The general advice is to follow the structure of Classical Argumentation , but there is no rule saying that must be done to score well on the rubric. 💯

What does it look like?   One way of doing this would be to mark numbers by ideas tracked and written in the brainstorm, but some do take a moment to build an outline with topic sentences. 

Start by creating Toulmin Position Statements that can be used for topic sentences and then move into a writing plan. Here’s a sample for this prompt:

Sample Outline:

Intro - Summarize idea, define trust

Revised Thesis: Although some people believe trust must be earned, maintaining a trusting nature is important because it enables society to focus on positivity and create positive interrelationships that lead to positive outcomes. 

At the most basic level, trust is important because the human experience has taught us that the foundation of a relationship is trust.

Universal truth

Observation

Indeed historical perspective can give more credible evidence as to why trust is vital to society.

Certainly, there have been times where trust resulted in less-than-desirable situations.

Entertainment - refute

Conclude: When considering the value of trust in society, it is clear that the benefits of granting trust far outweigh the consequences of withholding it.

Key Terms to Review ( 35 )

Argument FRQ

BAT the PROMPT

Cause and Effect

Classical Argumentation

Classification

Description

Entertainment

Exemplification

Logical Evidence

Modes of Development

Observations

Process Analysis

Rhetorical Situation

Thesis Statement

Toulmin method

Trust in modern society

Universal Truths

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On universality in literature

In junior year, my English teacher asked me a question after reading my story: “why do you only write about white people?”

When I was younger, I read the typical books of my generation: “Harry Potter,” “Narnia,” “Percy Jackson,” etc. I grew up with characters that didn’t look like me and never thought twice about it. As I grew older and moved onto the works of Hemingway and Salinger, I had already unconsciously equated being white to the blank slate in literature. 

Last year, I read Toni Morrison for the first time and was completely blown away. Immediately after finishing “Sula,” I went onto Goodreads to rate it a shining five stars. While scrolling through the comments, expecting most people to rave about Toni Morrison, one stood out to me. Roughly paraphrased, the commenter kindly pointed out the “problem” with Morrison’s works to be that she only wrote about black people, and to truly be a great writer, she needed to confront her fear of writing about white people. In an early interview with Toni Morrison, one of the questions posed to her was, “will you ever write about white people?” 

For the interviewer and the Goodread user, the Western canon seems to be synonymous with the idea of universality: Shakespeare is universal; Toni Morrison is not. The history of Western literature brings forth a history of privilege and forgets that of oppression. The idea of universality is a powerful and important one in storytelling, but often defaults to exclude marginalized persons within “universal” stories. 

The art we choose to elevate is reflective of the times we are in. It is then not surprising that the canonical works mostly deal with middle-class, white, American males. And while no story is inherently strong because of its subject matter, it is telling that when describing a book about white families, we would simply say it is a story about a family. We’ve grown so accustomed to the elevation of stories of the privileged that we think these stories are what defines art, instead of realizing that our conception of art has been construed by the works past academics have elevated.

As poet Ocean Vuong writes, “They will tell you that to be political is to be merely angry, and therefore artless, depthless, ‘raw,’ and empty. They will speak of the political with embarrassment, as if speaking of Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny.” And, “They will tell you that great writing ‘breaks free’ from the political, thereby ‘transcending’ the barriers of difference, uniting people toward universal truths.” 

The first story I wrote after talking to my teacher was about a Chinese-American girl. I used Chinese words as dialogue along with English. I intertwined Chinese mythology with the plot. Once I had finished, I couldn’t explain the sinking feeling I felt. The story felt lesser than all my others. I felt lesser to have written the story because it was focused on ethnicity, on race, on culture and tradition. I was ashamed that I couldn’t escape the bounds of living in a non-white body to explore more universal issues like love or loss. Instead, I had written Chinese love and Chinese loss. 

All this is not to accuse Shakespeare or Hemingway, not to undermine their influence or not acknowledge their craft; they were men of their time after all. It is instead a call to diversify the literature and art we consume, to create space to accommodate not only the canonical works, but also the ones whose voices have been traditionally put aside. To represent marginalized groups in art and literature is to show us that we are human. 

Now, as I look to modern-day writers like Toni Morrison and Ocean Vuong, I realize that they have created their own space, and I am inspired to do so myself. While I still grapple with understanding the place of the “Western canon,” I know that Chinese loss is still loss, and stories both about and by marginalized authors are worthy of telling, of passing on and of being canonized. 

For more hot takes on books, movies and TV shows, contact Emma K Wang at ekwang ‘at’ stanford.edu.

Emma Kexin Wang '24 is a Arts & Life staff writer, and Screen columnist for vol. 264 and vol. 265. She greatly enjoys horror and Ghibli movies. Contact her at ekwang 'at' stanford.edu.

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Eternal and Universal Truth

Introduction

Although he did not originate the idea, Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) is certainly the figure who is most widely associated with the term the perennial philosophy .  The perennial philosophy is the idea of a core of shared truth and insight at the heart of a wide variety of diverse worldviews: the idea that mystics and visionaries spanning the world’s religions and philosophical systems have apprehended a common reality.  Each of these mystics has expressed this reality in the language appropriate to their respective cultural settings and points of view.

As an approach that sees truth as available from a variety of standpoints, the perennial philosophy could be called a form of pluralism , albeit one that emphasizes the underlying unity of viewpoints, rather than the ways in which each viewpoint is unique.

An analysis of Huxley’s version of the perennial philosophy reveals that this approach to diverse worldviews is rooted in Vedanta, the central philosophy of Hinduism–specifically, the vision of Vedanta advanced by the Ramakrishna Order, based on the teachings of Hindu spiritual teachers like Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.  This does not invalidate Huxley’s approach, but lends an important dimension to our understanding of why he takes the approach to the diversity of worldviews that he does.  A study of Vedanta can thus illuminate the perennial philosophy.

Huxley’s Perennial Philosophy: An Outgrowth of Vedanta

Huxley defines the perennial philosophy at the outset of his classic work of the same name:

Philosophia perennis –the phrase was coined by Leibniz; but the thing–the metaphysic that recognizes a divine Reality substantial to the world of things and lives and minds; the psychology that finds in the soul something similar to, or even identical with, divine Reality; the ethic that places man’s final end in the knowledge of the immanent and transcendent Ground of all being–the thing is immemorial and universal…A version of this Highest Common Factor in all preceding and subsequent theologies was first committed to writing more than twenty-five centuries ago, and since that time the inexhaustible theme has been treated again and again, from the standpoint of every religious tradition and in all the principal languages of Asia and Europe. 1

Huxley was a Western spiritual seeker–an Englishman who immigrated to America and came to be a disciple of Swami Prabhavananda (1893-1976), a monk of the Ramakrishna Order and the founder of the Vedanta Society of Southern California. 2 Those who arrive at pluralism do so from a variety of starting points.  (My own pluralistic outlook is, like Huxley’s, a largely Vedantic one.)  The philosophical thread that Huxley describes as uniting many worldviews is essentially Vedanta.

Vedanta is identified primarily as a form of Indian–and specifically Hindu–philosophy.  Rooted in the Upaniṣads –as well as in the Brahma Sūtra (a text which essentially condenses the teachings of the Upaniṣads into highly compact Sanskrit verses) and the Bhagavad Gītā (a text which renders the teachings of the Upaniṣads in a way more accessible to a popular readership, and which is seen by many as an Upaniṣad in its own right, called the Gītopaniṣad )–Vedanta is a philosophy which presents itself as the culmination of the Vedas , the sacred writings which form the authoritative foundation of Hinduism, and which are understood to reflect the insights of the ancient rishis –literally ‘seers,’ or sages–through whom they were revealed.

Vedanta, however, has a more universal dimension.  If one breaks the word Vedanta –or, more properly, Vedānta –into its component parts, it is a combination of the words veda and anta .  Veda refers, again, to the most sacred of Hindu writings; but it also means, in its root, wisdom .  Anta means ‘end,’ and is cognate with this English word, both in the way it looks and sounds, but also in its varied meanings.  So the word Vedānta can simply mean, in a very literal sense, ‘the end of the Veda ,’ meaning ‘the end of the Vedas ,’–the last portion of the Vedic literature to be composed: namely, the Upaniṣads .  In this sense, Vedānta is simply a synonym for the Upaniṣads .

But, like ‘end,’ anta also means not only the final part of something, but also the aim or goal to which something is aimed or the purpose for which it is intended.  In this sense, then Vedānta is not simply coincidentally the final portion of the Vedas to be composed historically.  It is, rather, the ‘end’ or aim toward which all prior Vedic literature is pointed: its inner meaning or final, true purport.  This is how Vedānta is traditionally understood by adherents of this school of philosophy in India: as the final aim or meaning of the Vedas , and thus of all Vedic thought and practice.

However, because Veda also means ‘wisdom,’ Vedānta can also be taken to mean the ultimate aim or end of all wisdom: of all knowledge.  This is how Swami Vivekananda (1853-1902), the founder of the first Vedanta Society, and of the Ramakrishna Order of monks and the Ramakrishna Mission in India, and the preeminent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna, interpreted this word.  “All knowledge is Veda ,” according to Swami Vivekananda. 3   This includes not only the teachings of the world’s religions, but also modern science, which Vivekananda sought to show to be harmonious with the Vedanta philosophy. 4

Accordingly, Vedanta is seen, certainly within the strand of this tradition that is rooted in the life and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, not only as a form of Indian or Hindu philosophy (although it is certainly this as well), but as a universal philosophy which underlies all worldviews and belief systems.  As Pravrajika Vrajaprana explains, “Vedanta is the philosophical foundation of Hinduism; but while Hinduism includes aspects of Indian culture, Vedanta is universal in its application and is equally relevant to all countries, all cultures, and all religious backgrounds.” 5

In short, Vedanta is the perennial philosophy.

This can be seen from Huxley’s characterization of the perennial philosophy as well.  As Huxley describes this philosophy, it is “the metaphysic that recognizes a divine Reality substantial to the world of things and lives and minds; the psychology that finds in the soul something similar to, or even identical with, divine Reality; the ethic that places man’s final end in the knowledge of the immanent and transcendent Ground of all being.” 6 The idea of “a divine Reality substantial to the world of things and lives and minds” is the central teaching of Vedanta: the idea of Brahman.  Brahman, according to Vedanta, is anantaram sat-chit-ānandam , or infinite being, consciousness, and bliss.  It is from Brahman, according to the Upaniṣads , that all of existence has emerged: ‘All this, indeed, is Brahman,’ or in the original Sanskrit, sarvaṃ khalvidaṃ brahman . 7

Brahman is the Ground of all being, but also of each of our individual existences, in the form of the Self, or ātman .  Ayam ātmā brahma . 8 It is not only “substantial to the world of things,” but also to “lives and minds.”  As the recurring refrain of an important dialogue in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad states, tat tvam asi –a phrase which many have taken to mean “You are That,” “That” being Brahman. 9   A way of translating this phrase that was quite popular at the time that Huxley wrote The Perennial Philosophy was “That Art Thou,” which Huxley makes the title of the first chapter of his classic book: the chapter in which he shows, through numerous examples from many diverse traditions, the existence of a thread of thought found globally which teaches that the divine reality is present within each of us, at the very core of our being. 10

Huxley further states in his introduction that, “A version of this Highest Common Factor in all preceding and subsequent theologies was first committed to writing more than twenty-five centuries ago.” 11   This is a clear reference to the Upaniṣads , which form the conceptual touchstone of Huxley’s work.  The most often cited, or principal, Upaniṣads were composed during the first millennium before the Common Era, with the oldest ones preceding the Buddha, who likely lived in the fifth century BCE.

The method which Huxley utilizes in articulating the perennial philosophy is essentially a literary one: to find expressions of various facets of this philosophy in works from a great variety of world traditions.  As Huxley expresses it:

I have brought together a number of selections from these writings, chosen mainly for their significance–because they effectively illustrated some particular point in the general system of the Perennial Philosophy–but also for their intrinsic beauty and memorableness.  These selections are arranged under various heads and embedded, so to speak, in a commentary of my own, designed to illustrate and connect, to develop and, where necessary, to elucidate. 12

Critical Responses and Replies to Criticisms

A number of criticisms of Huxley’s approach have been expressed through the years since he first articulated his vision in the nineteen forties.

One of these criticisms is that many of the selections that Huxley utilizes have been taken out of context, and that greater attention to the cultural and religious settings from which these aphorisms have been extracted–as well as to the texts themselves from which they are cited–might reveal that the authors whom Huxley cites are not really saying what he takes them to be saying.  This is, of course, a very serious criticism; for the success of Huxley’s method depends upon his being able to show that the perennial philosophy is truly perennial: that the many great mystics that he cites are indeed all saying essentially the same thing about important topics like the nature of divinity.

A proper response to this criticism would itself constitute a lifetime of work, possibly on the part of multiple scholars: experts trained in the various traditions, languages, and literatures from which Huxley has drawn.  A subset of this criticism is of course that Huxley has relied upon translations, which are themselves inevitably interpretations of the materials they present.  (As an area studies expert myself, I must say that I find it maddening when amateur scholars draw grand conclusions from translations of texts which I know in their original language, and which do not quite say what the amateur scholar takes them to be saying.)

It is not impossible, though, that such work could be done.  Scholars from an array of disciplines who take seriously and are interested in Huxley’s claims might well take up some particular aspect of his work–his citations of Chinese Daoist texts, for example, or of Sanskrit Hindu and Buddhist sources, or of Christian sources in various European languages–could well delve into the claims in the service of which Huxley cites particular sources and examine whether the interpretation he has given might be defensible.

Questions of interpretation, though, are not simply a matter of knowing a language well, or being familiar with the beliefs and practices of a particular tradition.  If scholars are hostile to Huxley’s agenda–that is, if they are predisposed to reject the idea of a perennial philosophy–one could argue that their findings will be biased.  Similarly, if scholars are friendly to this idea, if they have made up their mind that Huxley is essentially correct, then this is likely to bias their findings in the other direction.  One would need to find scholars with sufficient interest in this project to pursue it, but who have not already made up their minds about the idea of a perennial philosophy.  This is a tall order, though, again, not an impossible one to fulfill.  A scholar would simply need to have an open mind about whether Huxley’s interpretation of some particular subset of the many texts that he cites represents an example of the perennial philosophy or not.

Another criticism, not entirely unrelated to the first one, arises from the fact that the philosophy he is identifying is, basically, Vedanta.  If Huxley is, as the first criticism suggests, reading his own philosophy into the texts he cites, does this not do a kind of violence to those sources and the worldviews they represent?  If he is trying to fit Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews into an essentially Hindu framework, is this not a form of religious inclusivism rather than a pluralism?  Is Huxley articulating a truly universal philosophy, or a Vedantic inclusivism?

This is a fair criticism, but it also raises another set of very profound epistemological questions: that is, questions about the very nature of knowledge, particularly to the extent that all knowledge involves some measure of interpretation.

Religious inclusivism is an approach to the diversity of worldviews characterized by adherence to a specific worldview–typically a religious one–in a way that is open to the idea of there being truth in other worldviews, and even to the idea that the adherents of other worldviews are able to reach the same ultimate aim to which one is, oneself, oriented, through one’s own view and practice.  It is an approach taken by many systems of Indian thought, as well as by the Catholic Church.

The most common criticism of this approach is that it is paternalistic: that one takes one’s own view, unquestioningly, to be the highest truth, and looks down upon the views of others as lesser truths.  This is different from pluralism, which sees truth in other views, but is also willing to see one’s own view as imperfect, and capable of being deepened and expanded by engagement with others.  Ramakrishna expresses pluralism when he says that all scriptures, even those of his own tradition, contain a mixture of sand and sugar.  “We need to take out the sugar and leave the sand behind: we should extract the essence of religion–whether we call it union with God or Self-realization–and leave the rest behind.” 13

At the same time, however, there is a certain logic to inclusivism which, I would suggest, makes this position, to some extent inevitable, so long as we operate in the realm of conceptual thought.  It is in the very nature of holding a worldview that one takes it to be true.

Even if one is open to the suggestion that one’s preferred view may need perpetual self-correction and improvement, this idea is itself a truth-claim to which one is assenting.  One is thus, at least implicitly, rejecting its opposite: that one need never correct oneself because one’s view is already perfect just as it is.  What we believe to be true, we believe to be true.

This means that if Huxley takes Vedanta to be an essentially true description of reality, he has a responsibility to live and act–and interpret other traditions–accordingly.  Part of being devoted to Vedanta is being devoted to truth, whatever form it may take.  One who takes the philosophy of Vedanta to be universal thus has a responsibility to be rigorous in terms of finding it in the texts of other systems of thought and practice.  This is part of being intellectually honest.  It is not that Huxley has been otherwise; but we may never see any statement of the perennial philosophy as final or complete.  As long as we are operating in the conceptual realm, the realm of language, the possibility of sharpening and improving our expression of truth will always exist.  Huxley’s work, I would suggest, presents us with an invitation to build upon it, even if this may require rejecting specific interpretations that he has given of particular texts.  The perennial philosophy, we might say, is rather like truth itself–an ideal which we forever approach but never perfectly embody, at least in the realm of imperfect words and concepts.  In words of Alfred North Whitehead, “There is no first principle which is in itself unknowable, not to be captured by a flash of insight.  But, putting aside the difficulties of language, deficiency in imaginative penetration forbids progress in any form other than that of an asymptotic approach to a scheme of principles, only definable in terms of the ideal which they should satisfy.” 14

The Perennial Philosophy, Pluralism, and the Diversity of Worldviews

In last month’s issue of Tarka 15 , I discussed pluralism: a response to the fact that, as we each search for truth, we inevitably encounter the fact that there are a great many possible worldviews.  Each of these views suggests itself to us as a contender for the title of the ultimate truth.  Many of these worldviews are religious in nature: the varied forms of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Daoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, the Baha’i Faith, and so on.  Many others are secular, taking modern science as the primary, or perhaps the only, measure of truth: Marxism, existentialism, and so on.  Each of these views has sub-varieties, finally coming down to the way of thinking of individual persons.  To paraphrase Mohandas K. Gandhi, who once said, “In reality, there are as many religions as there are individuals,” 16  we can, perhaps with even greater precision, affirm that in reality, there are as many worldviews as there are individuals.  Perhaps there are even more than this, given that the worldview of a single person will also shift over the course of a lifetime: sometimes subtly, and sometimes quite dramatically.

I also briefly surveyed various possible responses to the diversity of worldviews: agnosticism (the idea that it is unknown, or may even be impossible to know, which of the many worldviews that exist are actually true), secular exclusivism (the idea that only what has been proven by science is true), religious exclusivism (the idea that only one religion is true, and that only the practice of the one true religion leads to ultimate human fulfilment–salvation or liberation), religious inclusivism (the idea that there is only one fully true religion, but that there may be some truth in many of the world’s religions), and finally, pluralism, or worldview pluralism, according to which there is truth in many worldviews, and that our understanding of truth advances when we study and engage in a sincere dialogue with people who hold many different worldviews, expanding and deepening our own worldview along the way.  The pluralist sees the cosmos as a field of diverse possibilities, but as finally affirming our quest for meaning and understanding.  Phrased in theistic terms, pluralists believe that God will not abandon anyone because of the way they approach the truth.  God, rather has provided many paths to truth precisely because we are diverse beings who need diverse ways to achieve our ultimate aim.  To again cite Gandhi: “I believe in the fundamental truth of all great religions of the world.  I believe that they are all God-given and I believe that they were necessary for the people to whom these religions were revealed.  And I believe that if only we could all of us read the scriptures of the different faiths from the standpoint of the followers of these faiths, we should find that they were at the bottom all one and were all helpful to one another.” 17

Though Gandhi and other pluralists often phrase this stance in theistic terms, it is not necessary to do so.  The particular shape that worldview pluralism takes will depend on the other commitments and beliefs with which it co-exists in the mind of any given individual.  However it is phrased–either in theistic terms or in more impersonal terms–worldview pluralism is the view that there are many true worldviews, religious and non-religious, and that these worldviews and the practices and ways of life that are associated with them are effective in leading human beings toward their ultimate fulfillment, whatever that might consist of or mean.

Given that those of who arrive at worldview pluralism do so from various starting points, and take this perspective due to reasons distinctive to our own respective worldviews, there are, as one may expect, a variety of worldview pluralisms.

Many pluralists argue that the varied worldviews and the ways of life associated with them are all paths to the same ultimate end, or responses to reactions to the same ultimate reality.  The Hindu sage, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886), affirms, for example, that the reality to which various paths point is one and the same, though known under different names and forms.  He thus establishes the basic template which Huxley also follows in The Perennial Philosophy :

…the Reality is one and the same.  The difference is only in name.  He who is Brahman is verily Ātman, and again, He is the Bhagavān.  He is Brahman to the followers of the path of knowledge, Paramātman to the yogis, and Bhagavān to the lovers of God…It is like water, called in different languages by different names, such as ‘jal,’ ‘pāni,’ and so forth.  There are three or four ghāts on a lake.  The Hindus who drink water at one place, call it ‘jal.’  The Mussalmāns [Muslims] at another place call it ‘pāni.’  And the English at a third place call it ‘water.’  All three denote one and the same thing, the difference being in the name only.  In the same way, some address the Reality as ‘Āllāh,’ some as ‘God,’ some as ‘Brahman,’ some as Kāli,’ and others by such names as ‘Rāma,’ ‘Jesus,’ ‘Durgā,’ ‘Hari.’ 18

The Christian pluralist John Hick (1922-2012) similarly argues that the world’s religions are varied responses to a singular transcendental reality, which Hick designates–using a term which seeks to be religiously neutral, but which is highly evocative of Hindu traditions–as ‘the Real.’

Other pluralists, though, have argued that this approach is not pluralistic enough.  John Cobb and David Griffin, for example, influenced by the process thought of Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947), have argued for a ‘deep religious pluralism,’ in contrast with the ‘identist’ pluralism of John Hick and others.  Cobb and Griffin have argued that a metaphysical worldview can be postulated in which adherents of diverse worldviews and religious practices each achieve the fulfilment of their respective practices without claiming that this ultimate fulfilment is exactly the same in every cases.

In practical terms, this means that Christians, for example, can be reaching salvation as conceived in Christianity–eternal loving communion with a singular Supreme Being–while Buddhists are at the same time reaching nirvana–the extinction of all ignorance and craving and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.  These can both be happening in the same universe. 19   From this point of view, each of the religions is capturing an important part of the truth, and the practices that accompany each of these perceptions are really and truly effective in achieving the goals that they set out to achieve.  This is a complex, multi-faceted universe, which allows for a multiplicity of worldviews and lifeways.  The challenge for this approach is to articulate how it is that apparently incompatible worldviews can, in fact, be mutually compatible.

Still other thinkers focus, like Ramakrishna and Hick, on the convergences of the world’s religions, arguing that, behind their apparent diversity, there is a deep unity: shared values, but also shared experiences of transcending and going beyond the sufferings of our worldly life.  Huxley, a preeminent exponent of this point of view, argues in The Perennial Philosophy that a thread of shared wisdom unites the world’s religions, and that it is this shared wisdom, more so than the many topics on which they differ, that is the important element to focus upon in our quest for truth amidst the diversity of worldviews.  This perspective, sometimes known as perennialism , is often differentiated from pluralism precisely by its emphasis on a unity connecting the world’s religions.

I would suggest, though, that it is more useful to think of the idea of the perennial philosophy as an important component of pluralistic thought: as a type of pluralism.  When we observe the many differences amongst worldviews, it is not always the case that these differences are absolute.  There are also areas of genuine overlap amongst the world’s religions and philosophies.  Simultaneously, while these areas of overlap certainly exist, it also cannot be said that the world’s religions and philosophies are the same or identical.  One could see the exponents of deep religious pluralism and the adherents of a perennial philosophy as each affirming an important piece of the larger picture of the diversity of worldviews.  An affirmation either of a sameness that would ignore or obliterates difference, or of difference that does not allow for sameness or overlap, would be extreme positions.  Neither would fully capture the complex reality of worldviews that both differ and overlap simultaneously.  I am not saying that either the perennialists or the deep religious pluralists are guilty of falling into these respective extremes.  These are all very subtle thinkers.  Each, rather, tends to emphasize one side of the issue more than the other.  I would argue for an integration of the perennial philosophy with a pluralism that also emphasizes the distinct truths that are unique to each worldview: a pluralism that includes both the perennial philosophy and deep pluralism as important factors in approaching diverse worldviews.

Historically speaking, Huxley’s articulation of the perennial philosophy is a major contribution to the rise of a pluralistic consciousness in the Western world.  It is with Huxley that Ramakrishna’s and Swami Vivekananda’s Vedantic ideal of the transcendental unity of worldviews is popularized and begins to enter the philosophical mainstream, where it is picked up by Hick and others.

• Aldous Huxley, The Perennial Philosophy (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2009–first published in 1945), vii
•  http://vedanta.org/swami-prabhavananda/
• Swami Vivekananda, Complete Works , Volume Eight, (Mayavati: Advaita Ashrama, 1979), 136
• See A. Raghuramaraju, “Perspectives on the Relation between Science and Religion in India,” in Yiftach Fehige, ed., Science and Religion: East and West (New York: Routledge, 2016).
• Pravrajika Vrajaprana, Vedanta: A Simple Introduction (Hollywood: Vedanta Press, 1999), 1
• Huxley, vii
• Chāndogya Upaniṣad 3.14.1
• Maṇḍukya Upaniṣad 1.2
• Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.8.7
• Huxley, 1-21
• Vrajaprana, 54
• Alfred North Whitehead, Process and Reality: An Essay in Cosmology (Corrected Edition) (New York: Macmillan, 1978), 4
• http://www.embodiedphilosophy.com/celebrating-the-diversity-of-perspectives/
• Cited from Glyn Richards, ed., A Sourcebook of Modern Hinduism (Richmond, Surrey, UK: Curzon Press, 1985), p. 156.
• Mohandas K. Gandhi, The Words of Gandhi (New York:  Newmarket Press, 1982), p. 78
• Swami Nikhilananda, trans., The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (New York: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center, 1942), 134, 135
• See David Ray Griffin, ed., Deep Religious Pluralism (Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005).

This Crack in Time with Shambhavi Sarasvati (#171)

Shambhavi Sarasvati is the spiritual director of Jaya Kula, a nonprofit community in Portland, Oregon. Her principle training is in the View and practices of Trika Shaivism—also called Kashmir Shaivism—and the Dzogchen tradition of Tibet. Shambhavi is known for her humor and for making complex teachings about the nature of the self and reality understandable, practical, and always relevant to our lived experience.

Ancient Greek Wisdom with Athena Potari (#170)

Athena Potari is a philosopher and advocate of Hellenic wisdom. She argues for a reclamation of Ancient Greek thought that gives voice to the spiritual elements of Ancient Greek Philosophy. She has a PhD in Political Theory from the University of Oxford, and teaches the philosophy and spirituality of Hellenism at her school in Athens, Greece, which models itself on the ancient Greek philosophical academies.

The Wisdom of Zero with Jacob Kyle (#169)

Jacob Kyle is a meditation teacher, writer, philosophy educator, and the Founding Director of Embodied Philosophy. He holds an MPhil in Classical Indian Religions from the University of Oxford, an MA in Philosophy from the New School for Social Research in New York City, and an MSc in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Jacob is a student of Kashmir Śaivism scholar-practitioner Paul Muller-Ortega and is a devoted practitioner of the Śaiva-Śākta Darśana.

Yoga Teacher Travails & Transformations with Leslie Kaminoff (#168)

Leslie Kaminoff is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with four decades’ experience in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He leads workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools and training programs in the world.

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Writing Nestling

What Is A Universal Statement In Writing? (Explained)

In the realm of writing, a universal statement stands as a literary lodestar, guiding authors through the expansive seas of human expression.

It encapsulates ideas or themes that possess an enduring relevance, transcending the constraints of time, culture, and individual perspectives.

Akin to a literary North Star, a universal statement beckons readers from diverse backgrounds, inviting them to partake in a shared understanding that resonates across epochs.

Whether found in philosophy, literature, or scientific discourse, these statements navigate the delicate balance between generality and specificity, offering a gateway to narratives and insights that transcend the boundaries of individual tales.

In this exploration, we delve into the characteristics, types, and the profound importance of universal statements in the tapestry of human communication and storytelling.

Table of Contents

What Is A Universal Statement In Writing?

A universal statement in writing is a broad, all-encompassing statement that applies to all members of a particular group or category.

It is a generalization that is meant to cover every instance or individual within the defined scope. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what constitutes a universal statement in writing:

Identification of Group or Category

Begin by identifying the specific group or category to which the statement refers. This could be a group of people, objects, ideas, or any defined set.

Broad Scope

Ensure that the statement is broad and general, with the intention of encompassing every member of the identified group or category.

Absence of Exceptions

A universal statement typically lacks exceptions. It is formulated to be true for every case within the specified group, leaving no room for exceptions.

General Truth

The statement is crafted to express a general truth or characteristic that is believed to be universally applicable to all instances within the defined group.

Avoidance of Qualifiers

Universal statements often avoid the use of qualifiers or modifiers that might limit the scope or introduce exceptions. Words like “usually,” “sometimes,” or “in certain cases” are typically absent.

Clarity and Precision

Ensure that the statement is clear and precise in conveying the intended universal truth. Ambiguity or vagueness can undermine the strength of a universal statement.

Logical Consistency

Verify that the statement is logically consistent and does not contradict itself. A universal statement should hold true across all instances within the specified group without creating internal conflicts.

Examples or Evidence

Whenever possible, support the universal statement with examples or evidence that demonstrate its applicability across the entire group. This enhances the credibility and persuasiveness of the statement.

By following these steps , a writer can construct a universal statement that effectively communicates a broad, general truth applicable to all members of a particular group or category in their writing.

Characteristics of a Universal Statement

Universal statements possess an ethereal quality, weaving through the fabric of time and transcending the boundaries of cultural landscapes.

At their core, these statements embody the art of vagueness, gracefully avoiding the shackles of specificity while embracing the infinite.

Picture them as cosmic nomads, traversing the universality of human experience with a cloak of timelessness draped over their shoulders.

These statements, like ageless philosophers engaged in a celestial discourse, dance on the delicate balance between profound insight and enigmatic allure.

In essence, the characteristics of a universal statement are not mere strokes on the canvas of language; they are constellations that illuminate the collective imagination, sparking a cosmic resonance within the hearts and minds of all who dare to gaze upon them.

Generalization

Generalization, the masterful art of sweeping strokes in the canvas of thought, is the scribe’s inkwell of universality.

It is the alchemy that distills intricate complexities into distilled truths, reaching beyond the particulars to encapsulate the essence of a concept or idea.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes of specifics, generalization transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, offering a panoramic view of shared experiences and overarching principles.

It is the literary conjurer’s wand, summoning universality from the depths of particularity, allowing ideas to transcend the boundaries of time and space.

However, this double-edged sword demands careful wielding, for in the pursuit of universality, the danger of oversimplification lurks.

A skilled artisan in the realm of language understands the delicate balance, harnessing the power of generalization to illuminate the broader tapestry of human understanding without sacrificing the nuance and richness found in the details.

Timelessness

Timelessness is the enchanting quality that bestows upon ideas an enduring relevance, rendering them impervious to the relentless march of time.

It is the philosopher’s stone in the alchemy of literature, transmuting words and concepts into eternal truths that resonate across generations.

Timelessness is the celestial thread that weaves through the fabric of enduring narratives, anchoring them in a continuum that stretches beyond the confines of a single era.

In literature, art, and philosophy, it is the beacon that beckons to future minds, inviting them to partake in a dialogue that defies the limitations of temporal context.

A timeless idea possesses the capacity to elude the grasp of obsolescence, perpetually echoing its significance through the corridors of human thought.

It stands as a testament to the enduring power of certain concepts, as they defy the ephemeral nature of passing years to emerge as perennial fixtures in the landscape of collective human understanding.

Cross-cultural relevance

Cross-cultural relevance is the radiant quality that allows ideas and expressions to transcend the confines of specific cultural contexts, resonating with diverse audiences across the globe.

It is the passport that grants entry into the vast and varied landscapes of human experience, fostering a universal understanding that traverses borders and bridges disparate worldviews.

In the realm of literature, cross-cultural relevance elevates narratives beyond parochial boundaries, creating stories that resonate with readers from different corners of the earth.

It is a harmonious melody composed of shared human emotions, aspirations, and struggles, capable of striking a chord with individuals regardless of their cultural origins.

A truly cross-culturally relevant work possesses the ability to build bridges, fostering connections between people who may be separated by oceans, languages, or traditions.

It embodies a recognition of our common humanity, embracing the beauty found in the mosaic of global perspectives while reinforcing the idea that, at our core, we are united by the threads of our shared human experience.

Types of Universal Statements

Embarking on the literary voyage of universal statements is akin to navigating a cosmic atlas, where the constellations of human thought take shape in distinct archetypes.

These celestial narratives unfold across philosophical, literary, and scientific realms, each bearing a unique stamp on the cosmic parchment of universal understanding.

Picture philosophical universals as the pulsars of eternal truths, emitting beams of wisdom that traverse the vastness of human existence.

In the literary cosmos, archetypal characters and timeless themes twirl like nebulous ballet dancers, capturing the essence of the human experience in a perpetual pirouette.

Meanwhile, the laws of science emerge as the cosmic laws of nature, etching equations into the cosmic fabric, a script that both the microcosmic and macrocosmic realms follow.

Thus, within the cosmic expanse of universal statements, each type becomes a celestial beacon, guiding explorers through the boundless reaches of knowledge and imagination.

Philosophical Universals

Philosophical universals are the ethereal specters that haunt the corridors of human thought, transcending the boundaries of time and culture.

They are the immutable truths, the bedrock principles upon which the grand edifice of philosophy stands. Like ancient philosophers engaged in a timeless dialogue, these universals delve into the very essence of existence, grappling with questions that echo through the ages.

Whether pondering the nature of reality, the purpose of life, or the intricacies of morality, philosophical universals serve as the guiding stars in the celestial expanse of intellectual exploration.

They are the cosmic constants that persist across diverse philosophical traditions, weaving a tapestry of wisdom that speaks to the universality of human introspection.

These universals, like philosophical deities, beckon seekers of truth to embark on a perpetual quest for understanding, forever reaching toward the nebulous realms of the metaphysical.

Literary Universals

Literary universals are the timeless echoes resonating through the corridors of storytelling, transcending epochs and cultural landscapes.

They are the archetypal figures, motifs, and narratives that thread their way through the rich tapestry of human literature, weaving a narrative fabric that stretches across generations.

Like ancient myths that whisper to the present, literary universals encapsulate universal themes that traverse the human experience: love, betrayal, heroism, and the perpetual dance between light and shadow.

These universals become the literary constellations, guiding both writers and readers through the boundless expanse of imaginative exploration. From the hero’s journey to the tragic flaw, literary universals serve as the North Stars, offering navigation through the vast sea of human narratives.

They bridge cultural gaps, connecting readers across time and space, inviting them to partake in a collective journey of the human spirit.

In the realm of literature, these universals are the immortal muses, inspiring storytellers to craft narratives that resonate with the enduring chords of the human soul.

Scientific Universals

Scientific universals are the bedrock principles that govern the cosmos, transcending the intricacies of human cultures and persisting as immutable laws of nature.

They are the guiding stars of empirical exploration, navigating the scientific community through the vast expanse of the unknown.

From the elegant equations of physics to the mathematical precision of the natural world, scientific universals encapsulate the fundamental truths that underpin our understanding of reality.

These universals stand as testaments to the impartiality of the scientific method, offering a shared language that unites minds across diverse backgrounds.

Whether exploring the cosmos or delving into the microcosmic realms, scientific universals serve as the unerring compass, directing inquiry toward a deeper comprehension of the universe’s intricacies.

They form the building blocks of scientific progress, creating bridges between disparate disciplines and fostering a collective pursuit of knowledge that transcends the temporal boundaries of scientific inquiry.

Importance of Universal Statements in Writing

In the vast literary cosmos, the importance of universal statements is akin to discovering a constellation that transcends the fleeting glow of passing trends.

These statements are the quills that inscribe narratives into the timeless annals of human thought, creating works that resonate with the beating heart of a global audience.

They serve as literary lighthouses, guiding readers through the tumultuous seas of diverse perspectives with a light that transcends cultural and temporal storms.

Universality in writing is the alchemy that transforms words into echoes, reverberating across ages and echoing in the minds of generations yet unborn.

It is the secret handshake between authors and readers, an unspoken pact that invites individuals to glimpse the universality within the particularity of a tale.

For writers, the craft lies not only in penning stories but in crafting narratives that become compass points in the vast expanse of human experience, where the importance of universal statements becomes the gravitational force that pulls readers into the orbit of a shared, enduring understanding.

Engaging a broad audience

Engaging a broad audience is the magical conjuration that transforms the act of writing into a cosmic dialogue with minds spanning diverse landscapes.

Like a symphony that resonates across varied frequencies, the art of universal engagement invites readers from different corners of the world to gather around the campfire of shared narratives.

It is a literary kaleidoscope that refracts stories into a spectrum of emotions, inviting individuals with varied experiences to find resonance in the words on the page.

Whether through relatable characters, universally relevant themes, or timeless messages, writing with broad engagement in mind transcends cultural and societal boundaries.

It is the author’s whisper echoing across the canyons of diverse perspectives, ensuring that every reader, regardless of background, can find a reflection of their own humanity in the mirror of the written word.

In the dance between specificity and universality, the ability to engage a broad audience becomes the writer’s gift, creating a tapestry of understanding that transcends the limitations of individual stories and binds readers together in the shared tapestry of the human experience.

Establishing credibility

Establishing credibility in writing is akin to laying the foundation for a grand literary cathedral. It is the art of forging an unshakeable bond between the author and the reader, rooted in trust and expertise.

Like a masterful conductor wielding a baton, a credible writer orchestrates their words with precision, showcasing a deep understanding of their subject matter.

Credibility emerges not merely from the abundance of information but from the meticulous sourcing, thorough research, and a commitment to accuracy.

It is the passport that grants the author entry into the reader’s realm of respect, signaling that the ideas presented are not just opinions but well-founded insights.

Readers, akin to discerning patrons, gravitate towards works where credibility is a beacon, guiding them through the intricate labyrinths of information with confidence and assurance.

In the literary symphony, establishing credibility is the resonant note that transforms mere words into a harmonious composition, fostering an unwavering trust between the writer and their audience.

Enduring impact

Enduring impact in writing is the indelible mark left on the sands of time, a literary legacy that withstands the erosive forces of passing years.

It is the echo that lingers, reverberating through the epochs and whispering to generations long after the ink has dried. Achieving enduring impact is the pinnacle for any writer, a feat that transcends the fleeting trends and ephemeral fashions of the literary world.

It is the resonance that springs from profound insights, timeless narratives, and universal truths, captivating the collective consciousness across cultures and epochs.

Authors who aspire to leave an enduring impact recognize that their words are not just fleeting echoes but seeds planted in the fertile soil of human thought.

Such impact is measured not by the immediate applause but by the sustained ripples of influence that continue to shape minds and perspectives over time, making the written work a timeless beacon in the vast ocean of human expression.

Examples of Universal Statements in Different Genres

In the kaleidoscopic realm of literature, universal statements gleam like rare gems, refracting their brilliance across diverse genres.

Shakespearean themes, like ancient constellations, continue to illuminate the dramatic skies of human emotion, their timeless tales of love, betrayal, and the human condition echoing through centuries.

Mythological narratives, whether from ancient Greece or distant cultures, serve as cultural Rosetta Stones, deciphering the universal language of archetypal heroes, gods, and epic quests.

In the philosophical cosmos, existential truths stand as cosmic constants, challenging thinkers across epochs to ponder the profound questions of existence and purpose.

Scientific universals, akin to cosmic equations, govern the narratives of the natural world, revealing the universal laws that bind the microcosmic and macrocosmic realms.

These examples form a celestial mosaic, showcasing the enduring power of universal statements to traverse the galaxies of human creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-expanding tapestry of literature and thought.

Literature, the alchemy of words and imagination, is the kaleidoscopic mirror reflecting the diverse facets of the human experience. It is the timeless tapestry woven by storytellers, poets, and visionaries, capturing the fleeting emotions, aspirations, and struggles that define our existence.

In the vast expanse of literary landscapes, one discovers not merely narratives but portals into different worlds, each crafted with the meticulous strokes of literary artisans.

Literature serves as both a time machine and a compass, transporting readers to historical epochs, distant galaxies, or the recesses of the human psyche.

It is the shared language that binds cultures, allowing the collective voice of humanity to resonate through the ages.

From the grand epics of yore to the contemporary whispers of introspection, literature is the archive of human wisdom, a sanctuary where the echoes of profound thoughts reverberate and the echoes of myriad voices coalesce into a harmonious symphony.

Philosophy, the relentless quest for understanding, is the intellectual crucible where the crucible of human thought is refined and distilled.

It is the perennial dialogue that transcends the epochs, daring minds to ponder the fundamental questions of existence, consciousness, and morality.

Philosophy serves as the compass guiding seekers through the uncharted territories of knowledge, demanding a rigorous examination of assumptions and a fearless exploration of the unknown.

It is the art of wielding ideas like chisels, carving pathways to deeper comprehension and enlightenment. From the ancient musings of Socrates in the agora to the contemporary inquiries into the nature of artificial intelligence, philosophy weaves a seamless tapestry of inquiry that spans cultures, disciplines, and centuries.

It is not merely an abstract discourse but a living, breathing force that propels the human intellect to explore the profound mysteries of the universe and, in doing so, to unravel the mysteries of the self.

Science, the relentless pursuit of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and analysis, is the illuminating beacon that guides humanity through the labyrinth of the natural world.

It is the systematic unraveling of the cosmos’ secrets, a quest to decode the language of the universe written in the laws of physics, chemistry, and biology. Science transcends cultural boundaries, providing a shared methodology that bridges diverse perspectives.

It is the engine propelling technological advancements, medical breakthroughs, and a deeper understanding of our place in the cosmos.

From the microcosmic realms of subatomic particles to the macrocosmic expanses of galaxies, science is a universal language that speaks to the inherent curiosity of the human mind.

It transforms speculation into certainty, offering a methodical approach to unravel the mysteries of existence and empowering societies to make informed decisions based on evidence and reason.

Challenges in Crafting Effective Universal Statements

Crafting effective universal statements is akin to walking a tightrope suspended between the towers of clarity and overgeneralization, and skilled writers find themselves performing this literary high-wire act with precision.

The challenge lies in the delicate art of balancing generality and specificity, like a word-wielding acrobat dancing between the grandiosity of universal themes and the nuanced details that breathe life into a narrative.

Avoiding the pitfalls of overgeneralization becomes a labyrinthine puzzle, demanding a writer’s deft touch to distill profound insights without diluting the richness found in the specifics.

It’s a tightrope where cultural sensitivity serves as a safety net, preventing the plunge into the abyss of unintentional biases, and demanding an acrobat’s awareness to adapt universals to the diverse cultural tapestry.

In the grand carnival of language, crafting effective universal statements becomes a daring performance, where the writer navigates the complexities of language, culture, and nuance to present a narrative that resonates with a broad audience while avoiding the pitfalls that threaten to turn the literary spectacle into a chaotic jumble of missteps.

Avoiding overgeneralization

Avoiding overgeneralization in writing is the delicate art of steering clear from the perilous cliffs of oversimplification and embracing the nuanced terrain of specificity.

Like a tightrope walker navigating the thin line between breadth and depth, writers tread carefully to ensure their statements resonate universally without sacrificing the intricate details that lend authenticity to their work .

Overgeneralization can flatten the topography of ideas, obscuring the unique contours that distinguish one concept from another.

Skillful writers, aware of this precarious balance, strive to capture the universal essence of their themes while preserving the diversity found in the particulars.

It’s a dance with language, requiring a discerning choreography that avoids broad strokes while inviting readers into a rich landscape of nuanced understanding.

In the narrative tapestry, avoiding overgeneralization becomes the weaver’s task, threading a needle through the intricate fabric of diverse experiences to create a literary mosaic that captures the complexity of the human story.

Cultural Sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity is the compass that guides writers through the intricate terrain of diverse perspectives, urging them to navigate with respect, awareness, and a keen understanding of the myriad cultural nuances that shape human experience.

It is the acknowledgment that words wield immense power, capable of either fostering unity or perpetuating unintentional biases.

Cultivating cultural sensitivity in writing involves a mindful recognition of the rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and values that color the world.

Writers, as cultural artisans, strive to avoid stereotyping and misrepresentation, engaging in a continual process of learning and adapting their narratives to embrace the multiplicity of voices within the global community.

Cultural sensitivity is the lens through which writers view the world, ensuring that their words resonate harmoniously across diverse audiences while celebrating the rich diversity that makes every culture unique.

In the literary mosaic, cultural sensitivity becomes the brushstroke that paints narratives with the hues of inclusivity, fostering a shared understanding that transcends cultural borders.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about What Is A Universal Statement In Writing?

What exactly is a universal statement in writing.

A universal statement in writing encapsulates ideas or themes that possess enduring relevance, transcending the constraints of time, culture, and individual perspectives. It serves as a literary device that communicates universal truths or concepts applicable to a broad audience.

How does a universal statement differ from other types of statements in writing?

Unlike specific or culturally bound statements, a universal statement aims to communicate ideas that resonate across diverse audiences and stand the test of time. It is characterized by its broad applicability and timelessness.

Can you provide examples of universal statements in literature?

Certainly! Examples include archetypal characters, timeless themes, and philosophical insights found in works such as Shakespearean plays, mythological narratives, or existential philosophical treatises. These elements transcend cultural and temporal boundaries, making them universally resonant.

Why is crafting universal statements important in writing?

Crafting universal statements enhances the accessibility and appeal of a piece of writing to a broad audience. It establishes credibility, as it reflects a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, and it leaves an enduring impact, contributing to the legacy of literature and thought.

What challenges are associated with crafting effective universal statements?

Challenges include avoiding overgeneralization, striking the right balance between generality and specificity, and ensuring cultural sensitivity. Writers must navigate these challenges to create statements that are both universally applicable and respectful of diverse perspectives.

How can a writer maintain cultural sensitivity when incorporating universal statements?

Writers can maintain cultural sensitivity by acknowledging and respecting diverse traditions, avoiding stereotypes, and continually educating themselves about different cultures. Adapting universal statements to encompass a variety of perspectives is crucial in fostering inclusivity.

Are universal statements limited to specific genres or disciplines?

No, universal statements can be found across various genres and disciplines, including literature, philosophy, and science. Whether exploring timeless themes in fiction, existential truths in philosophy, or scientific principles, universal statements transcend the boundaries of specific genres.

How can a writer ensure that their universal statement leaves an enduring impact?

To leave an enduring impact, writers should focus on crafting statements with profound insights, timeless themes, and an engaging narrative. Ensuring the statement is both relevant and relatable to diverse audiences contributes to its lasting significance.

In the symphony of written expression, a universal statement emerges as a timeless melody, echoing through the corridors of human understanding.

It serves as a literary cornerstone, transcending temporal, cultural, and individual boundaries to create a shared resonance among diverse audiences.

From the enduring truths encapsulated in philosophical universals to the archetypal characters woven into literary narratives, the concept of a universal statement acts as a unifying force in the rich tapestry of human communication.

As writers navigate the challenges of crafting these statements with balance and cultural sensitivity, they unlock the potential to engage broad audiences, establish credibility, and leave an enduring impact on the literary landscape.

In essence, understanding and harnessing the power of universal statements in writing allows authors to contribute to a collective dialogue that spans generations, fostering a shared understanding that withstands the tests of time and cultural evolution.

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15 Universal Truths to Understand the Human Condition

Diana Raab, PhD

• Well-written memoirs often share universal truths that connect with readers on a deeper level.
• Universal truths are many, and each of us can have our own unique set.
• Learning about others’ universal truths can help you find our own way.

In my memoir writing workshops, I always emphasize the importance of each story having a universal truth. While many are well aware what this means, oftentimes, the definition needs to be explained.

A universal truth is something that resonates throughout humanity. It’s something that others can relate to and can be a lesson that we’ve learned. Most often we recognize a universal truth, but we are not always able to understand it.

Universal truths are most often connected to something about the human condition or key events in people’s lives, which include birth,  emotion , aspirations, conflicts, and  decision-making . They can help us understand it, and also help us deal with emotional and psychological challenges.

In his 2020 article,  4 Universal Truths to Counter Your Emotional Problems , Michael R. Edelstein says that “[e]ach truth comports with reality,” and that they express the way of the world and characteristics of being human. Universal truths inspire us to contemplate and reflect.

Although there are so many more, Edelstein identifies four important emotional truths:

• as humans we are all fallible and we need to develop unconditional self-acceptance
• no life is 100 percent bad, and thus it’s a good idea to adhere to unconditional life acceptance
• humans are all flawed, at times flawed and sometimes unflawed, and it’s important to develop unconditional other-acceptance
• it’s important to believe that you can “stand what you’re standing,” or being where you are

When reading or hearing about the universal or emotional truths of others, we are given tips on navigating our own life journey. These truths can help us figure out our lives and as a result, put us on the path to  happiness .

Marja de Vries says that the universal truth is nothing less than an insight into nature, which offers the meaning and operation of the universe. In other words, it’s the nature of reality which goes way beyond the physical realm in which we live. A universal truth can also answer questions about who we are and where are we going.

Of course, everyone has their own set of universal truths and the further on you move in life, the more you gather. Here are some truths I’ve accumulated during my own journey:

• Happiness is often a choice.
• Knowledge is power.
• Choose your battles.
• Optimism  is better than  pessimism .
• Lowering your expectations can lead to happiness.
• Having  gratitude  can contribute to happiness.
• Very little in life is black and white.
• You don’t have two chances to make a  first impression .
• Money cannot buy happiness.
• Tell others what you want them to do, not how you want them to be.
• If you want something in a relationship, you need to also give it.
• Actions speak louder than words.
• Expect the unexpected.
• We are all going to die.

And because we are all gong to die, it’s important to live life to its fullest because none of us have any idea of how long we are destined to be on this planet. In a similar vein, you might want to consider making a list of your own universal truths.

Marja de Vries. (2012).  The Whole Elephant Revealed.  John Hunt Publishing.

Edelstein, PhD, M. R. (2020, April 6).  4 Universal Truths to Counter Your Emotional Problems . Psychology Today.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-three-minute-therapist/2020…

Originally published on Psychology Today .

15 Universal Truths to Understand the Human Condition

Universal truths remind us we're all connected, part of something larger..

Updated August 2, 2023 | Reviewed by Ray Parker

• Well-written memoirs often share universal truths that connect with readers on a deeper level.
• Universal truths are many, and each of us can have our own unique set.
• Learning about others' universal truths can help you find our own way.

In my memoir writing workshops, I always emphasize the importance of each story having a universal truth. While many are well aware of what this means, oftentimes, the definition needs to be explained.

A universal truth is something that resonates throughout humanity. It’s something that others can relate to and can be a lesson that we’ve learned. Most often we recognize a universal truth, but we are not always able to understand it.

Universal truths are most often connected to something about the human condition or key events in people’s lives, which include birth, emotion , aspirations, conflicts, and decision-making . Universal truths can help us understand it, and also help us deal with emotional and psychological challenges.

In his 2020 article, 4 Universal Truths to Counter Your Emotional Problems , Michael R. Edelstein says that “[e]ach truth comports with reality,” and that they express the way of the world and characteristics of being human. Universal truths inspire us to contemplate and reflect.

Although there are so many more, Edelstein identifies four important emotional truths:

• As humans, we are all fallible and we need to develop unconditional self-acceptance.
• No life is 100 percent bad, and thus it’s a good idea to adhere to unconditional life acceptance.
• Humans are all flawed, at times flawed and sometimes unflawed, and it’s important to develop unconditional other-acceptance.
• It’s important to believe that you can “stand what you’re standing,” or being where you are.

When reading or hearing about the universal or emotional truths of others, we are given tips on navigating our own life journey. These truths can help us figure out our lives and as a result, put us on the path to happiness .

Marja de Vries says that the universal truth is nothing less than an insight into nature, which offers the meaning and operation of the universe. In other words, it’s the nature of reality which goes way beyond the physical realm in which we live. A universal truth can also answer questions about who we are and where are we going.

Of course, everyone has their own set of universal truths and the further on you move in life, the more you gather. Here are some truths I’ve accumulated during my own journey:

• Happiness is often a choice.
• Knowledge is power.
• Choose your battles.
• Optimism is better than pessimism .
• Lowering your expectations can lead to happiness.
• Having gratitude can contribute to happiness.
• Very little in life is black and white.
• You don’t have two chances to make a first impression .
• Money cannot buy happiness.
• Tell others what you want them to do, not how you want them to be.
• If you want something in a relationship, you need to also give it.
• Actions speak louder than words.
• Expect the unexpected.
• We are all going to die.

And because we are all gong to die, it's important to live life to its fullest because none of us have any idea of how long we are destined to be on this planet. In a similar vein, you might want to consider making a list of your own universal truths.

Marja de Vries. (2012). The Whole Elephant Revealed. John Hunt Publishing.

Edelstein, PhD, M. R. (2020, April 6). 4 Universal Truths to Counter Your Emotional Problems . Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-three-minute-therapist/2020…

Diana Raab, MFA, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, educator, and survivor. She’s written nine books of nonfiction and poetry, including the recent Writing for Bliss and Writing for Bliss: A Companion Journal.

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Home Essay Samples Philosophy

Essay Samples on Truth

Universal truth: the importance of good explanations.

Introduction As a young child, I remember believing in the fictitious story of Santa Claus based purely on imagination. Every Christmas, my friends, and family would celebrate “Santa” coming from the North Pole to bring presents to all children who behaved well. Eighty-four percent of...

Implementing the Four Noble Truths in Everyday Life

Introduction One of the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism set forth by Buddha himself are the Four Noble Truths. These contain the very essence of the Buddha's pragmatic teachings. The Buddha is known to attain enlightenment only after the realization of these four truths during his...

Maintaining Trust: Importance of Telling the Truth

Have you ever wondered if lying is right or wrong? Have you ever lied and been tricked into telling the truth? Most people have been tricked by pretty much everyone. Lying according to research is always wrong. Most people feel guilty about lying and almost...

• Communication

Evaluation of Truth in Life with Doubt and Skepticism

Skepticism brings us to doubt everything in our lives that we once perceived as true. David Hume, Rene Descartes, and Sextus Empiricus have all made a contribution with their stance on skepticism through their writings Discourse on the method of rightly conducting the reason, and...

Uncovering The True Fiction Behind Ishmael Beah’s Recount of His Life Story

What settles the difference between nonfiction and fiction? The specifics. In a nonfiction novel, the author is recounting on purely true events. However, in a fictional text, the author has a wide range of possibilities and can be very subjective. The specifics can be used...

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The Effects of Sincerity on Our Lives

Whoever Sows Truth does not always Reap Confidence Whoever usually sows truth, as amazing as it may seem, does not always receive confidence. When we talk about sincerity, we are undoubtedly facing a double-edged sword before which many feel uncomfortable and even threatened, because sometimes...

• Human Behavior

Why Facts Are the Enemy of Truth: Facts and Misrepresented Context

The definition of truth is the quality or state of being true. The word truth is used in everyone’s life, whether it is a mom teaching their kid to always tell the truth, or a kid learning that telling the truth can hurt someone’s feelings....

The Perception of Reality and Truth by People

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Universal Themes: 180 Examples for Literature and Life

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: October 9, 2023  - Last updated: October 10, 2023

Categories Creativity , Art , Filmmaking , Storytelling , Writing

A universal theme is a concept that resonates with a wide variety of readers, regardless of their background, culture, or personal experiences.

These themes explore elements of the human condition that are relevant and relatable to people from different walks of life.

Universal themes are often found in literature, where they shape the stories we read and help us learn more about ourselves and our shared human experiences.

One of the key aspects of universal themes is that they delve into concepts and concerns that are of interest to the human race, transcending geography or cultural differences.

Examples of universal themes include love in its many forms, journeys of self-discovery, and power struggles that influence individuals and societies alike. From novels to movies, these themes have the power to reveal insights about the world we live in and the human experiences we share.

As you explore the concept of universal themes, remember that they can be found in various forms and manifestations, connecting across different types of content and genres. These themes not only enrich our understanding of literature but also enhance our appreciation of the shared human experience.

Key Takeaways

• Universal themes are relatable concepts that resonate with diverse audiences.
• These themes explore elements of the human condition and our shared experiences.
• Literature and other forms of storytelling often incorporate universal themes to broaden their appeal and impact.

180 Examples of Universal Themes

Here are 180 universal themes grouped into common categories:

• True love conquers all
• Love at first sight
• Love triangles
• Unrequited love
• Forbidden love
• Everlasting love

Good vs Evil

• Good triumphs over evil
• Evil is punished
• Struggle between good and evil
• Morality tale
• Loss of innocence to evil
• Corruption by power
• The hero’s journey
• Overcoming obstacles
• Sacrifice for others
• Rags to riches
• Underdog story
• Triumph over adversity

Coming of Age

• Loss of childhood innocence
• Transition to adulthood
• Self-discovery
• Growing pains
• Generation gap
• Conformity vs individuality
• Nature vs nurture
• Class struggles
• Gender roles
• Racism and prejudice
• War and peace
• Fear of death
• Value of life
• Grief and loss
• Memento mori
• Cycle of life
• Man vs nature
• Transcendentalism
• Appreciation of beauty
• Harmony with nature
• Survival in nature
• Environmentalism
• Faith vs doubt
• Sin and redemption
• Divine intervention
• Religious allegory
• Spiritual enlightenment
• Eternal life
• Search for meaning
• Existential dilemmas
• Mind over matter
• Artistic expression
• Living in the moment
• Contemplation of time
• Magic and witchcraft
• Mythical creatures
• Epic quests
• Alternate worlds
• Superhuman abilities
• Parent-child relationships
• Sibling rivalry
• Family secrets
• Inheritance/birthright
• Dysfunctional families
• Family loyalty
• Found family
• Retribution
• Getting even
• Righting wrongs
• Vaulting ambition
• Blind ambition
• Ambition vs ethics
• Cost of ambition
• Unfulfilled ambitions
• Ambition and ruin
• Abuse of power
• Corruption of power
• Struggle for power
• Power of love
• Loss of power
• Power and responsibility
• Miscarriage of justice
• Taking the law into own hands
• Balance of justice
• Poetic justice
• Social justice
• Divine justice
• Fight for freedom
• Loss of freedom
• Freedom of choice
• Freedom of expression
• Intellectual freedom
• Escape to freedom
• Value of friendship
• Loyal friends
• False friends
• Childhood friendship
• Opposing friends
• Friendship and sacrifice
• Accepting fate
• Fighting fate
• Twists of fate
• Serendipity
• Self-fulfilling prophecy
• Power of memory
• Fond memories
• Painful memories
• Fading memories
• Manipulation of memory
• Memories relived
• Meaning of dreams
• Pursuit of dreams
• Dreams vs reality
• Shattered dreams
• Recurring dreams
• Prophetic dreams
• Embracing change
• Resistance to change
• Coming of change
• Winds of change
• Change is inevitable
• Adaptation to change
• Race against time
• Value of time
• Passing of time
• Time heals all wounds
• Time travel
• Seizing the moment
• Betrayal by loved ones
• False betrayal
• Revenge for betrayal
• Forgiveness after betrayal
• Betrayal of ideals
• Self-betrayal
• Descent into madness
• Love turned to madness
• Method in madness
• Madness and creativity
• Curing madness
• Man vs machine
• Dangers of technology
• Dehumanization by technology
• Technological progress
• Love/hate relationship with tech
• Tech dependency
• Journey of self-discovery
• Fish out of water
• Internal journey
• Quest for knowledge
• Escapism through travel
• Search for truth
• Moment of truth
• Subjective truth
• Universal truth
• Truth and lies
• Overcoming prejudice
• Social prejudice
• Racial prejudice
• Religious prejudice
• Cultural misunderstandings
• Tolerance and acceptance
• Triumph of courage
• Cowardice and bravery
• Courage in adversity
• Moral courage
• Courage of convictions
• Finding inner courage

Perseverance

• Power of perseverance
• Never give up
• Patience and determination
• Endurance and resilience
• Hard work pays off

Universal Themes in Literature

Themes of Coming of Age and Loss of Innocence

In literature, universal themes often deal with the complexities of human life. One such theme is coming of age, which deals with how characters transition from childhood to adulthood and navigate the myriad challenges that come their way.

This theme often highlights the loss of innocence, as the character matures and learns about the harsh realities of life. As you explore these themes in literature, notice how different authors and genres might approach this transformation with unique perspectives and scenarios.

Themes of Love and Relationships

Another universal theme in literature is love and relationships. This encompasses not only romantic love, but also familial love, friendship, and various other types of interpersonal connections.

The power of love has been a central focus in countless stories, as it is an emotion that almost everyone experiences in their lives. The themes related to love and relationships can showcase different facets, including first loves, unrequited love, forbidden love, or the lengths to which people go to protect those they love.

Themes of Power and Trust

Power dynamics often come into play in literature as both overt and subtle influences on the story. These themes can take many forms, such as physical strength, political power, or even the power of ideas and beliefs.

Trust is another universal theme closely tied to power, as characters may struggle with trusting themselves, others, or even the systems around them. As you read literature that deals with themes of power and trust, consider how these elements shape the characters’ experiences and development.

Understanding Change Through Themes

Change is an inevitable part of the human experience, and therefore, a common theme in literature. Characters may face change on various levels, including personal transformations, societal shifts, or even physical changes in their environments.

The way they respond to and process these changes can tell us a lot about the human condition and our own experiences with change. As you delve into stories that address themes of change, observe how the characters adapt to or resist change, and whether they ultimately find acceptance or growth in the process.

Structural Order of Universal Themes

When examining universal themes, it is crucial to understand their structural order. This order brings organization and coherence to the diverse concepts that connect various subjects and disciplines, enabling you to better comprehend the themes and how they interrelate.

As you begin exploring universal themes, you will find a pattern in their structure. Generally, universal themes are based on abstract, one-word concepts like power, conflict, change, relationships, and order.

These themes serve as a foundation for numerous topics, making them applicable to a wide range of subjects. To better illustrate this, consider how the theme of power connects to various fields like science, literature, sports, and history.

Understanding the structural order of universal themes helps you identify the connections across different topics, making it easier for you to see the broader picture. This kind of comprehension promotes higher-order thinking and supports your ability to draw conclusions based on diverse viewpoints.

Furthermore, these connections encourage deeper analysis, fostering critical thinking skills and the ability to synthesize various pieces of information.

As you study universal themes and their structural order, make sure to approach them with a confident, knowledgeable, and neutral perspective. It is essential to maintain a clear and focused viewpoint that rationally connects the concepts and does not exaggerate or make false claims.

By doing so, you ensure the integrity of your understanding, allowing you to effectively engage with these themes and apply your insights to both academic and real-world situations.

The Building of Themes

When constructing a universal theme, it’s essential to first understand what it encompasses. A universal theme focuses on an aspect of the human condition that is relevant to people regardless of their location, background, or unique factors. This type of theme is easily relatable to a wide variety of readers, making it integral to the building blocks of successful storytelling.

As you begin building your theme, consider the common concepts and concerns that resonate with a diverse audience.

Themes like love, power struggles, and the journey of self-discovery are all examples of universal themes that have gained prominence in literature and life. By grounding your work in these core ideas, you can create a story that speaks to a broader range of readers.

When crafting your story, remember to develop characters and plotlines that will emphasize your chosen universal theme. Strong, well-built characters and a captivating story will help convey your theme to your readers more effectively. Additionally, explore multiple facets and variations of your universal theme to provide depth and nuance, ensuring that your work remains engaging and thought-provoking.

Incorporating symbolism, motifs, and allegory can also strengthen your universal theme. By using these literary tools, you can subtly reinforce the theme throughout your narrative, guiding your readers to connect the dots and grasp the underlying meaning of your work.

As you build your universal theme, remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone. This will allow your readers to connect with the theme on a deeper level, making your narrative even more compelling.

In conclusion, when developing a universal theme, ensure that it resonates with a broad audience, explore variations of the theme, and utilize literary tools like symbolism and allegory to reinforce its message. With careful planning and a clear understanding of the human condition, you can build a captivating and impactful narrative that will endure the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of universal themes in literature?

Examples of universal themes in literature include the journey of self-discovery, where characters explore self-doubt, inspiration, and personal growth; love in its many forms, such as true love, unrequited love, and familial love; and power struggles that can impact characters, governments, and individuals.

How do universal themes differ from specific themes?

Universal themes are overarching ideas that resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, while specific themes are more narrowly focused on a particular topic, setting, or character type. As a result, universal themes tend to be more relatable, whereas specific themes may only apply to a certain group of readers or within a specific context.

What are the essential components of a universal theme?

A universal theme must be able to evoke a common human experience or emotion that a wide range of readers can relate to. It often explores core values or fundamental aspects of human existence, such as love, fear, or identity. Additionally, a universal theme should have a timeless quality, meaning it can be relevant and relatable throughout history and across different cultures.

Can universal themes be applied across different cultures and time periods?

Yes, universal themes have the unique ability to resonate with readers from various cultures and historical time periods because they tap into fundamentally shared human experiences and emotions. This is why they are considered “universal” in nature, as they can transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.

How are universal themes utilized in theme parks?

In theme parks, universal themes can be used to create immersive experiences that appeal to a broad range of visitors. For example, Universal Orlando Resort has attractions and areas based on various themes, each offering unique adventures for guests of all ages. They aim to create enjoyable experiences by tapping into familiar stories and emotions that resonate with people from diverse backgrounds.

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What Is Truth? Essay Example

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The ideal of truth is relevant to the individual. Truth is based on a number of factors that are usually derived from absolute knowledge. However, when finding the relationship between knowledge and truth, one questions their own competence and confidence in establishing what is actually true. There are several debates among philosophers and research that try to derive the nature of truth. Defining the nature of truth is routed in technical analysis, a morass of arcane jargon, subtle distinctions from competing theories, and precise definition. Rene Desecrates famously wrote, “I am therefore I exist.” In stating this he holds that only truth that is certain is what the individuals own cognition of their existence. The principle question among the long time debate is to answer, what is truth? This questions have plagued the minds of philosophers since the time of Plato and Socrates. It has been a never ending debate trying to draw the relationship of knowledge, truth, and understanding what is relevant to their own assessment. From the readings of Martin Luther, Descartes, and others, this paper will explore the philosophical questions of knowledge and truth. Drawing on these reasons to come to a consensus on what can be the individual be assured of what they believe is the absolute truth, and what prevents individuals from the truth.

The notion of truth is developed through the ideas, belief, and opinion of what is and what is not. Truth is an object of relativism of an individual’s ideas, the agreement and disagreement of reality. In understanding truth, there are three principal interpretations that are used, truth as absolute, truth as relative, and truth as an unattainable reality. According to definition, absolute truth is, “is defined as inflexible reality: fixed, invariable, unalterable facts.” (All About Philosophy, n.d) Essentially it is a truth understood universally that cannot be altered. Plato was a staunch believer in this interpretation, as the truth found on earth was a shadow of the truth that existed within the universe. This is the hardest interpretation of truth because there can be no indefinite argument with those that try to negate the existence of absolute truth. In arguing against the interpretation, the arguer themselves tries to search for validation in their statement that absolute truth doesn’t exist. In a matter of contradiction in understanding what is truth is to establish that truth exists. In a better interpretation seeing the truth as relative is explaining that facts and realities vary dependent on their circumstances.

Relativism is in the matter of where no objectivity exists and is subjective which the validity of truth doesn’t exist. According to philosophy, “Relativism is not a single doctrine but a family of views whose common theme is that some central aspect of experience, thought, evaluation, or even reality is somehow relative to something else.” (Swoyer, 2014) The last interpretation of truth is that truth is an unattainable reality where no truth exists. Truth is a universal fact in which corresponds with evidence, reality, and experience. Since an individual’s reality and experience constantly change, it is impossible to reach an absolute truth. This interpretation is relative to one’s own knowledge because it is present in their person’s mind. Using this interpretation many philosophers have carved out several theories of truth.

The pragmatic approach to defining truth is by seeing that truth is the objects and ideas that the individual can validate, assimilate, verify, and corroborate. In understanding what is not true it is essentially what the individual cannot. In establishing the absolute truth, it is what happens and becomes true events that are verified through a process of verification.  In the view of this paper, is that truth is dependent on the individual’s fact and reality, as Aristotle stated, “to say of what is that is it not, or what is not that is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, and what is not that it is not, is true.” As confusing as the statement may be to some, the concept of truth is based on a person’s confidence in their own reality as the basis of truth. Not only is the general consensus now, but in also philosophers such as Thomas Aquinas in the 9 th century in which, truth is the equation of things and intellect, more importantly the basis of truth as true is up to the individuals’ knowledge.

In Rene Descartes search for truth, he begins with the method of doubt. Written Descartes, Meditation , “I seem to be able to lay it down as a general rule that whatever I perceive, very clearly and distinctly is true.” (Descartes, 7.35) Descartes add to the questions of what is truth is by the confidence and certainty in knowing that what is true is from the natural experiences and own personal truths. The individuals’ definition of truth is what the person understands in life through logic and reason. The individual establishes their idea of reality from their senses, what they see, and true perceptions.  Descartes wrote in his, Letter to Mersenne , any doubts about truth is perpetuated by the notion that no one can be ignorant of truth because it symbolizes the conformity of thought with its object. (Smith, 2014) Drawing from Descartes works we will answer what prevents us from the truth.

In his Method of Doubt from his First Meditation , his purpose was to negate skepticism by doubting the truth of everything including what we know in our minds. The reasons in which people doubt their truth is based on people second guessing their own subsequent beliefs. People claim to know the truth beyond their own realms of justification. People senses and experiences that have been taught are largely provided from prejudices past down. (Descartes, 1639) People are disappointed that what they believe to be true is often not. Descartes stated, “Whatever I have accepted until now as most true has come to me through my senses. But occasionally I have found that they have deceived me, and it is unwise to trust completely those who have deceived us even once.” (Descartes, 1639)  From these understandings people then began to doubt what they know to be true because they have reasonable doubt.

In order for a person to understand truth, they must first doubt all things around them in a hypothetical doubt, in order to provide a pretense of what we know is the truth and what we cannot know. By determining our own knowledge of what is true, such as the snow is white, because we know there is no other color in existence, we can have a foundation of unshakeable truths.  While the senses can sometimes present falsehood, it is subjective to suggest that all senses are wrong. In determining using one’s experience to determine truth, it is important to note that everyone’s experience is not the same. The way one person sees an event can be different from someone that sees the same event. Take for example the group of five blind men that felt the tusk of an elephant. One men said it was like a snake, while another suggested that was the neck of a giraffe. Who is to tell who is correct and not? From their own experiences, knowledge, and senses what they believe is to be true. By limiting knowledge on what we know is absolute certain is limiting one’s own perception of reality. This is how doubt is raised, and takes away from the confidence of the individuals’ own knowledge of the truth.

Martin Luther takes on the quest for truth through his thesis, which he wrote to the church. In his appendage for reformation of the Catholic Church, he questioned the authority of the Pope, and what their interpretation of the Bible. In his belief that the word of God is the truth, his stance is that followers of the religion must have faith. In believing what is true and what is not, Luther’s is bound by his idea of faith which correspond with God is the absolute truth.  His justification of God being true is based on the works of God, but more importantly the understanding of truth is by faith alone. His unshakeable foundation of what he believes to be true is routed in his on senses, ideas, and experiences derived from his faith.  Just like knowing what is true and not, Descartes share that while we cannot prove that God doesn’t exist, we can prove that he doesn’t exist. While we can see the things around us does exist, if that has indubitable truth in believing that something exists, it is impossible to prove it isn’t true.

From drawing on the works on how a person can assure that they know is true is using Descartes Method of Doubt to provide a foundation in which what we know is true, and what we know is not. Luther bases his justifications of truth on faith and knowledge, while drawing from logic and reasoning to know what is true. A person is able to draw from their own cognitive knowledge in determining what is true. While knowledge all things is limited, one cannot be limited to suggesting to know the truth of things beyond our resonance. Until proven otherwise, what we say is the truth and everything else is subjective. In the relationship between truth and knowledge, Plato and Charles Peirce had their own separate perceptions. Plato believed that truth is derived from a person’s knowledge, while Pierce believed absolute knowledge to determine absolute truth can never be obtained. Plato’s belief of knowledge and the truth is more correct in providing reasoning that knowledge is based on past experiences, where universal knowledge is a factor in determining truth.

The definition of truth and search for knowledge will continue to be an ongoing debate in which many great philosophers in past, present, and the future will offer philosophies to help guide the debate. While truth will continue to be a matter of one’s own perception, in order to assure that what people believe is the truth is to base their knowledge on their own perceptions.  Based what they know on their own absolute truth in their senses, knowledge, ideas, and beliefs that help form their own realities. Truth is relative to only that individual, as people will experience events differently from other individuals. Descartes said it best that what he knows to be true is based on his own existence. Since he knows that he exists, he knows that the reality around him exists, therefore, his own perception of what is true.

Absolute Truth. (n.d). All About Philosophy . Retrieved from http://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/absolute-truth.htm

Bennett, Jonathan. (1990). Truth and Stability. Canadian Journal of Philosophy . Vo. 16. Pg. 75-108. Retrieved from http://www.earlymoderntexts.com/jfb/trustab.pdf

Descartes, Rene. (1639). Meditations on First Philosophy . Marxists. Retrieved from https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/descartes/1639/meditations.htm

James, William. (1909). The Meaning of Truth . Authorama. Retrieved from http://www.authorama.com/meaning-of-truth-1.html

Luther, Martin. (1520). The Freedom of a Christian . Lutheran Online. Retrieved from https://www.lutheransonline.com/lo/894/FSLO-1328308894-111894.pdf

Smith, Kurt. (2014). Descartes’ Life and Works.   The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2014 Edition). Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2014/entries/descartes-works

Swoyer, Chris. (2014). Relativism. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2014 Edition). Retrieved from http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2014/entries/relativism

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22 Universal Truths That Will Help You Understand Life

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Trying to figure out life? Looking for a little bit of happiness? Struggling to understand how to make the most out of your situation?

These universal truths may help point you in the right direction.

Of course, nothing is true all of the time, and there will always be exceptions to the rule, but you will likely find that these truths hold up in many circumstances.

1. Happiness is a choice.

“Happiness is a choice” is an unpopular phrase among unhappy people. And rightly so. Happiness being a choice implies that unhappy people are choosing to be unhappy. And why would anyone choose to be unhappy?

The reason is that it is easy to choose to be unhappy, languish in negative thoughts, fill your mind with negative, awful things, and continue to feed the beast instead of working to replace those negative things with positive things.

Mental illness and trauma are different, though. Sometimes, a person’s brain isn’t doing the right things, making the person unable to choose happiness. That’s not their fault and doesn’t really apply in that situation. That choice is being imposed upon them by these problems that they have. But once you start getting those things under control, you have to start choosing happiness because it will not likely just fall out of the sky into your lap.

2. Low expectations increase happiness.

Things are going to happen: great things, terrible things.

Sometimes you’ll be able to work hard and directly affect the outcome of those things, sometimes you won’t. Sometimes you’ll do all the work you need to do, and everything will blow up in your face. Sometimes you’ll get dumped by a romantic partner out of nowhere. Many of these things will be out of your control.

Low expectations increase happiness because you won’t spend your time being angry, sad, or disappointed that things didn’t work out the way you hoped. You can’t be both happy and angry at the same time.

3. Gratitude is an antidote for pessimism.

Gratitude is such a powerful tool for increasing your optimism, peace of mind, and personal happiness. A lot of people say this, but they rarely explain how it actually works. It’s about retraining your mind to stop looking for terrible and negative things.

You will likely experience a fair amount of suffering, failure, and things that just don’t work out in life. Everyone does. That’s normal. But that pain can be made smaller by being grateful that you’re still alive and have the opportunity to try again.

Gratitude can completely defuse the sting of these losses because you know there is always something else out there.

4. Kindness is rarely the wrong choice.

Kindness is so powerful. Not only is it powerful to the people around you, but it can help silence anger, turmoil, and sadness.

Unfortunately, many people mistakenly think that kindness is solely about its benefit to the person who is receiving it. It’s not. It’s also about not harboring negative thoughts and feelings that can disrupt your happiness and well-being.

Kindness does not mean that you need to be nice all the time or a doormat. Opportunists will absolutely test your limits and may try to take advantage of you. Not all of them are bad people. Sometimes people who are having a hard time can’t tell when they are overstepping. Boundaries are important.

5. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

This relatively common truth alludes to how much easier it is to prevent a problem than cure it. It often takes far less time and effort to prevent a problem from happening than devoting the time, effort, and money to fixing the problem later.

For example, it’s much easier to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly than lose weight later. People tend to focus on exercise to try to lose weight. But once you look at the kind of calories that you actually burn while exercising, you quickly realize that exercise isn’t enough. So, you also need to develop a healthier diet and break the bad habits that got you there in the first place.

That’s a whole lot of extra work.

6. Closure is not always possible.

Closure is a luxury that not everyone gets. Sometimes terrible things happen, and your life will get turned upside down with no rhyme or reason at all. Unfortunately, that’s just how it goes sometimes.

The greatest gift you can give yourself is to learn to accept the blows that come with life without wasting too much time looking for the reasons. Sometimes you’ll get them, sometimes you won’t.

People throw away years of their life and happiness, wringing their hands over things that are entirely out of their control. Don’t do that to yourself.

Sometimes the only reason you’ll get is that terrible things happen to people all the time. And sometimes you’re “people.”

7. It is what it is.

There are a lot of things in life that you will just have no control over. It may be a thing that happens to you that is less than great. On the other hand, it may be something bigger, like a social perception that negatively affects you that you just can’t change.

People tend to think that their anger means something. They point to people who are fueled by their anger who have fought and achieved things. The problem is, there is no reason why you can’t accept what is, identify an injustice, and choose to fight anyway.

“It is what it is” implies passiveness, but that isn’t how it needs to be. You can accept what has happened but still act to influence what comes next.

8. Not everyone will like you.

Not everyone will like you, so stop trying to be liked by everyone. It’s not necessary. Far too many people tamp down their personal weirdness or interests to be accepted.

The truth is that these people aren’t being accepted for who they are but for the facade they are presenting to the world. So why waste your time with people who require you to dance to their tune?

9. Most people aren’t thinking of you.

People are often self-interested. Most of the time, they aren’t thinking about you at all. They are too wrapped up in their own problems, anxieties, thoughts, worries, and pursuit of peace and happiness.

What does this mean? It’s okay if you did something embarrassing or messed something up. Most people aren’t going to be thinking about it all.

10. Few things in life are black and white.

Life would be so much easier if everything were black and white, but few things are. It’s wise to not accept anything black and white at face value. Always dig deeper, look at the sources of information, and question the bigger goals of that information.

Painting the world in black and white is a common, effective way to influence people to think or feel one way about a particular thing; and it’s not often honest.

11. Everything changes.

The only true constant in life is that everything changes. People, circumstances, and situations change. So you can add a lot of peace and happiness to your life by learning how to roll with the punches and embrace change when it’s time. Because it will be time, sooner or later.

12. The past is gone; the future is not promised.

How much time do you waste yearning for the past or dreaming of the future? Both are a waste of valuable time. All you really have is the present.

You could have a freak accident, and your life could change on a dime. You could have some invisible medical problem that you don’t detect until it takes your life right this instant.

Use your present wisely.

13. No one owes you anything.

Entitlement can be a problem. People often expect to be treated a certain way or think they deserve a thing. But the truth is no one owes us anything, and that’s what we should expect to receive.

There are plenty of people who have no problem stepping on other people, treating other people disrespectfully, or just being jerks to try to get their way. Don’t expect to be treated kindly, well, or with respect. Be prepared to stand up for yourself and work to get what you want.

14. Most people are average, and that’s okay!

To be exceptional is an exception, not the rule. Most people are average people who live an average life. There’s no shame in that.

Marketing and sales to sell more stuff fuel the constant need to be more, do more, have more. That’s because salespeople are trying to create desire within you, so that you won’t settle for average. That desire will make you more susceptible to buying more things.

It’s okay to be average and have an average life. That’s what most people will have.

15. Knowledge is power.

“Knowledge is power” is an old phrase that points to a strong universal truth. The more you know, the better decisions you can make. The more informed decisions you make, the better outcomes you will have. Read more. Learn more.

16. First impressions matter.

People form an initial impression of you based on the first time they perceive you. People aware of this bias will typically do their best not to let that impression affect how they treat that person. Other people, not so much.

First impressions do matter and they can follow you for a long time. Take some time to consider what kind of first impression you’re sending. You don’t want to be creating a negative first impression in job interviews or when you’re trying to date.

17. It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.

Much of the world runs on who you know, not what you know. The fact is that people prefer the things they know to the things they don’t know. The unknown is a wild card that may come back to negatively affect them later.

Don’t neglect basic socialization and friendships. Suppose you have a hard time being social. In that case, there are plenty of books, websites, and YouTube channels about developing social skills. Get out there and practice.

18. A large part of success is simply showing up.

It’s utterly amazing how many people can’t show up. And by showing up, we don’t just mean to literally be present. It’s about doing the work, meeting expectations, and doing what you say you’re going to do.

And if you aren’t able to do what you say you’re going to do, you have a way to proceed and still make sure the other person isn’t inconvenienced.

In the context of actually showing up, a reliable person is far more valuable than the best of the best. That best of the best person is useless if they aren’t actually there to do the job.

19. Money can’t buy happiness.

Money can’t buy happiness if your problems aren’t financial in nature. It can buy a temporary good time. It can buy things to distract you from the ugly parts of life. It can pay for therapy or your medical bills. It can pay rent and put food on the table.

But it certainly doesn’t guarantee happiness.

People with money just have a different set of problems and challenges to deal with. By all means, get out there and find a way to get yourself some money, but don’t be surprised if you’re still unhappy when you get it. That is unless the lack of money is the problem.

20. Work smarter, not harder.

There’s a time to work smart and a time to work hard. Learn to see the difference. Hard work in and of itself can be worthwhile, but you also need to ensure that you are not being taken advantage of. It can certainly improve your chances for success when you set your mind to something and go for it.

Hard work for the sake of hard work is different. Some people view it as a matter of character building, regardless of the outcome. Other times, hard work is just going to lead to burnout for not much gain.

21. Social media is not real.

Don’t compare yourself and your life to what you see on the internet. A lot of it is not real. People regularly use filters, photo editing, or just deceptive practices to make themselves seem like something they’re not.

For example, a person may take a selfie with a fancy car owned by someone else to make themselves seem rich. They may also rent or buy designer clothes for an afternoon, take some pictures, and then return them. One influencer got caught posting selfies in her “new kitchen,” which turned out to be a mock-up in an interior design showroom!

Social media is not real. Don’t compare yourself or your life to what you see there.

22. You are dying every day.

Every minute of every day, you are coming closer to your death. On the one hand, you can look at that as existentially terrifying. On the other hand, you can treat it as motivation to get up and get moving!  Dream big! Set goals! Get after it!

You don’t have an infinite amount of time. So make the most out of what you have right now and go for what you want out of life.

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Jack Nollan is a person who has lived with Bipolar Disorder and Bipolar-depression for almost 30 years now. Jack is a mental health writer of 10 years who pairs lived experience with evidence-based information to provide perspective from the side of the mental health consumer. With hands-on experience as the facilitator of a mental health support group, Jack has a firm grasp of the wide range of struggles people face when their mind is not in the healthiest of places. Jack is an activist who is passionate about helping disadvantaged people find a better path.

21 Best Universal Truths To Guide Your Life

 You’re looking for some guidance — not from a specific religion or philosophy of life but from time-tested collective wisdom.

What better than a collection of life truths shared by humans of all times, places, and cultures? 

These are not bound to a particular worldview. But they’ll undoubtedly influence yours.

Welcome to our list of truths for every human, whatever your situation and needs.

To gain the most benefit from this list of 21, let’s start by explaining what a universal truth is. 

What Are Universal Truths? 

1. fear is your servant — not your master., 2. to overcome pain and learn from it, you have to go through it. .

• 3. Struggles can lead you closer to success. 

4. “This, too, shall pass.” 

5. your outlook determines whether something is “good” or “bad.”  , 6. some things you can change; others you must learn to accept. , 7. if you aren’t kind to yourself, don’t expect others to be. , 8. life is an adventure. , 9. humility is essential to your growth. , 10. intuition can guide you in a way reason cannot. , 11. a life well-lived is about thriving — not just surviving. , 12. everything you want to achieve begins with a single thought. , 13. to be happy, find your gifts, and put them to use. , 14. leap and the net will appear., 15. your fulfillment lies in thinking beyond yourself. , 16. don’t be guided by other people’s opinions. , 17. you are more than your body., 18. your body is more than it seems. , 19. “no fate but what you make.”, 20. failure is a gift. , 21. there is no “perfect time” to do anything. don’t wait for it. , how will you use these universal truths in your life.

Universal truths of life apply to every human being — wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

Some will be more meaningful to you than others, but all these human truths apply to your life and anyone else’s. 

You can probably think of at least one universal truth related to specific concerns in your life: 

• Your childhood or upbringing
• Stress and anxiety
• Equality and identity
• Struggles and adversity
• Love and acceptance
• True happiness

If you’re having difficulty thinking of any, the following list of universal truths examples includes various useful insights.

Some of them will no doubt sound familiar. 

List of  21 Universal Truths to Live By 

Fear can save your life. That fight or flight instinct of yours is there for a reason. 

But fear can also hold you back from taking risks in pursuit of the life you want. In that case, your fear becomes your master. 

It may not be a life or death issue, but your conditioned brain perceives change and new risks as threats. It takes conscious thought and inner wisdom to sort out the deadly threats from the ones we can overcome. 

You’ve heard the saying, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” But maybe you’ve been through something that makes you think, “Not always.”

Whether or not you feel stronger, it’s a universal truth that you need to go through pain to overcome it and learn from the experience, however difficult that might be. And it is. 

There’s no shortcut to growing resilient as a person. Trying to avoid pain or downplay it doesn’t make you stronger.  It only prevents healing. 

3. Struggles can lead you closer to success.  

Everyone is struggling with something. Even those who seem to have everything “together” have struggles you don’t know about. 

What you struggle with yourself, you might keep secret from others. Or you might share your daily challenges to let others with the same struggle know they’re not alone. 

When you face those struggles and learn what you can from them, those same challenges can accelerate your growth and get you closer to your most meaningful goals . 

Whatever you’re going through right now — or whatever you might be enjoying — it’s a universal truth that nothing lasts forever. 

Pain from an injury lessens as it heals. And the elation you feel when you’re falling in love changes to something more sustainable as you get to know each other. 

Learn to appreciate the good moments more. Try to recall them to mind when painful moments come. Photos can be a great help with this.

Your outlook affects how you see everything. When you’re falling for someone, your view of them changes — for the better.  

When someone you trust hurts you deeply, the same thing happens (for the worse).

The more you try to see the good, the more you’ll see it. And when you focus only on the negative, that’s what will jump out at you. You won’t see the sun for the shadows. 

While we can’t always be 100% positive, seeing the fuller picture helps us decide which aspects to focus on. And our chosen focus can change everything. 

Think of things you honestly can’t change, even if you want to:

• Your past 
• Mental health challenges
• A disability
• Personal losses

Some things you can change. Some things you can’t. When you’re frustrated about the latter, it only darkens your outlook on life and makes it impossible to enjoy the good in it.

Learn to accept the things you can’t change, so you can learn from them. Only then can you bring something good out of each. 

No matter how bleak your life may seem right now, you must take care of yourself. Daily self-care is rooted in both self-compassion and self-respect. It’s self-love in action. 

And you have as much right to that as anyone else. 

If you don’t prioritize your needs — for sleep, for personal hygiene, for downtime — and stand up for yourself, don’t expect anyone else to. Be your own best advocate. 

Life is one choice after another, and some of those choices lead to adventures you wouldn’t have had otherwise. But life as a whole is an adventure. And yours will look different from anyone else’s. 

The only way you make the most of this adventure is to live through it, embracing the pain as well as the joy. Adventures, by definition, are not safe. 

Humility is a natural consequence of self-knowledge. The better you know yourself, the less likely you are to either exalt or debase yourself. You see with a clearer lens. 

Without humility, you don’t grow as a person. You make no progress toward becoming the person you want to be or making good use of your gifts. 

Without humility, you remain stuck with a false idea of yourself that you cling to, whether it erases all your faults or magnifies them. 

Humility sets you free. 

Your intuition processes information much more quickly than your conscious mind can. So when it sends you a warning signal, you might not even understand why. But when you obey your intuition, you often find out you were right to. 

Your intuition can also guide you in your creative work, suggesting ideas and connections that seem to come out of nowhere. 

It happens more readily when you’re in the flow state or practicing mindfulness. 

“Failure to thrive” is a diagnosis that strikes fear in the parent of a young child. Doctors will order tests to explore the reason for that failure. And parents will blame themselves for having missed something crucial to their child’s development. 

Failure to thrive as an adult is every bit as serious. Survival mode makes it difficult to make the changes you need to succeed. But doing so is essential to your growth and happiness.

When you give up on thriving, you give up on living. 

While it’s also universally true that thoughts aren’t enough, everything you want to do in your life begins with a thought. 

Say you brainstorm a list of things to do on the weekend. Then you pick one of those ideas and expand on it. Maybe you do some research to help you plan it out, from beginning to end. Then, when the weekend comes , you take action to make the thing happen. 

It all started as a thought. But it happened because you took action. 

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Everyone has gifts. At some point, most of us will focus on one gift (either because we favor it or someone else does) to the exclusion of others. 

Think of something you do well. Make a list of the times and ways you’ve put it to work for someone’s benefit. 

Chances are, the more positive feedback you’ve received, the more you put that gift to work. But even if you haven’t been encouraged to develop a particular talent, it’s there for a reason. And if it matters to you, you won’t be content until you put it to use. 

This isn’t about stepping off a literal cliff and hoping a net will appear. It’s about risking something you value to gain something even better. The thing you’re leaping for is what you really want, more than what you stand to lose. 

Too often, we hold ourselves back with thoughts like, “If I make the leap, I’ll find out too late that it was a mistake, and I’ll lose everything.” 

But if what you genuinely want requires a leap of faith, you won’t be happy until you make it. 

Your fulfillment depends on putting your unique set of gifts to good use. And whether your use of them does real and lasting good depends on how it affects people other than yourself. You are responsible for the way your actions affect other people.

And even if your self-centered actions somehow benefit others, if you care only about how it helps you, nothing you gain from it will ever be enough. You will never feel full. 

Fulfillment depends on whether you seek to benefit others with your gifts. It requires you to “give them away.” 

The stakes aren’t as high for those eager to share their opinions. They lose less (if they lose anything at all) if you make the wrong decision. Other people’s views are less reliable than your conscious mind when you’re facing a difficult choice. 

Better to learn the facts you need to see your options as clearly as possible. Or listen to your intuition, which doesn’t need a comprehensive knowledge of facts to guide you away from danger. 

Let it guide you away from unhelpful opinions, too. 

What do you see when you look in the mirror? Be honest about which words come to mind: 

• “My reflection” 

If you answered “my body,” you’re being super-literal or revealing what you’re primarily focused on when you see your reflection. 

How you feel about your body affects every part of you. But you are more than what you see or what the mirror can reflect. The real you is infinitely more expansive than flesh and bones — or your outward appearance to others.

It’s easier to see imperfections in your own body, but whatever you’d like to change about it, your body deserves more credit than you give it. 

Your physical body will never be perfect, nor will anyone else’s. But whatever challenges you have with your body are helping you become the person you are on the inside. 

Your body also reflects what you think of it. The more you see the beauty, the more you bring it out. And even if everyone doesn’t see that beauty, what matters more to your happiness is that you do. 

Learn to accept and even love your body, and all it does for you. It is the home of your very being.

This will sound familiar to anyone who’s watched The Terminator movies. It’s what Sarah Connor etched into the wooden surface of a picnic table after barely surviving the first cyborg sent from the future to kill her. 

In writing that message, she reasserts her belief that she is the one who decides the course of her life. And she wants to pass that conviction on to her son. 

There’s freedom in knowing you have control over your own life. If you have free will, you make your own choices. And those choices are what determine your fate. 

The leader of an army that wins a battle is less likely to look at what they did wrong and revise their strategy, but the army leader that lost definitely will (if they survive). 

The next time the two armies meet, the leader who lost the first time will have learned what they did wrong, explored the weaknesses of their opponent’s strategy, and revised their own. 

In the winner’s case, success has dulled the blade while the other leader’s failure has sharpened it. 

If you’re waiting for the perfect time to do something that will change your life for the better, you’ll never get started. Because while some conditions may be more favorable to what you want to do, there will never be “ideal conditions.” 

There will always be something that makes you think, “Maybe not just yet.” 

Now that you’ve looked through this list of ultimate truths, which ones stood out for you. Which ones, in particular, have challenged you today? 

Maybe you already live by some of them. Or maybe a friend or mentor used that wisdom to get you out of a dark place. Perhaps you’ve done the same for someone else. 

Universal truths don’t rely on a specific religion. Humans as a whole have proven them time and time again over the centuries. They’re part of our shared experience. 

May your experience grow richer as you embrace these truths and live by them. 

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Geoffrey Chaucer — Universal Truths in Wife of Bath by Geoffrey Chaucer

Universal Truths in Wife of Bath by Geoffrey Chaucer

• Categories: Geoffrey Chaucer Wife of Bath

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Published: Sep 25, 2018

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Do You Have a “Universal Truth” in Your College Essay?

by j9robinson | Jun 3, 2010

Finding the Life Lesson in Your College Admission Essay

A key component of a powerful personal narrative (essay) is what’s called a “ universal truth .”

They are also called “life lessons.”

Basically, when the writer starts to reflect upon the personal lessons learned from an experience, she or he needs to make sure to show why the lesson is important to everyone else as well—that is, why it is true on a universal level.

What is a universal truth?

Often, they are so “true” that they seem almost silly to say out loud.

Love hurts.

Be true to yourself.

What goes around comes around.

Cheaters never win.

Never say never.

Sometimes you have to lose in order to win.

You can’t always get what you want.

Face your fears.

What goes around comes around(eg Karma).

You reap what you sow (you get out of life what you put into it).

(Try putting, “In life, …” before the universal truth to test it out.)

Read some sample essays and see if you can find the “universal truth.”

In your own college application essay, you don’t necessarily have to state the universal truth, however, at some point you should at least touch on it, usually toward the end.

If you need help getting started with your college application essay or personal statement, try my Jumpstart Guide .

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Not sure if you remember me, but our paths crossed while I was the editor at Orange Coast magazine under Ruth Ko. I found your lagunawriter website through Google. Great work you’re doing! I’m now the editor over at OC METRO magazine, and I’d love to connect with you again.

hi tina, i just noticed your friendly post on my blog. thanks! it’s so nice of you to comment! i feel like i send these little posts out into a huge, dark void. (no one ever comments!) anyway, good to hear from you. actually, i responded to an email you sent me about looking for freelance writers for your magazine. i responded, but never heard back. maybe my emails go out into the dark void as well. anyway, would love to talk to you anytime!

how can i include this in my essay in a subtle way? i dont want the “universal truth” to sound too cliched or showy… do you have any suggestions? thanks!

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• Grabber introductions
• How Find Your Main Point\
• How to Add Depth
• How to add intellectual vitality
• How to Tell a Story
• How to Write an Anecdote
• Ladder of Abstraction
• Mini-Memoirs
• Online course for writing college admissions essays
• Self-editing
• Show AND Tell
• Show Don't Tell
• Tone and Voice
• Universal Truths
• Use Emotion
• Writing Contests

Bestselling Writing Guide!

Click book image to learn about all four of my popular writing guides!