One of my favorite books is a fantasy novel, titled Wizard's First Rule. Aside from the fact that it makes for an entertaining read, it centers around an undeniable quality of human behavior: people believe something to be true because they either want it to be true, or are afraid that it is.

Whether we care to admit it or not, the axiom makes sense. When we believe something, while the focus of our belief is in line with the facts available to us, we cannot help but apply our own assumptions to the analysis. Regardless of how objective we try to be, the very fact that our perceptions are fallible prevents us from establishing a truly unbiased viewpoint.

Given a certain amount of evidence, we can either choose to acknowledge it as sufficient grounds for truth, or insist that it isn't enough. The line that demarcates reasonable doubt rests on personal belief, not fact.

Consider the things you believe about your friends, for example. If you think about it, just how much of what you believe to be true about the people you care about really is true? Can you really be sure? If you hear rumors, do you believe them? What if your friend insists on things different from what you know about her?

What we perceive to be the truth ultimately lies in our perspective. If you are steadfast in your belief that an individual has treated you badly, no amount of proof will change your mind. If you are simply unsure, then perhaps enough evidence will sway your beliefs. The point is, the idea of "truth" is always a subjective one, reliant on the preconceived notions of the observer.

Before you pass judgment on something (or someone, as the case may be), be aware of what you feel to be the truth. Be advised that the truth rests not in the evidence, but in your willingness to believe it.

[First published by Perspective, DLSU - College of St. Benilde]