Certain
statements are always true, but viciously difficult to prove. Consider: ax + bx ≠ cx
where a, b, and c are positive integers, and x is an integer > 2. That statement is factual, and yet to prove
it as such took 358 years and a suite of mathematical techniques developed over
the centuries in-between. Worse, unless
you happen to possess a Ph.D. in mathematics with a specialization in certain
branches of number theory, it is likely that the proof would be thoroughly
indecipherable. So what? I cannot imagine very many people for whom
their professional, monetary, or political objectives would be undone by the
verification of the truth of this statement, and thus, who would spend the time,
effort and vocal energy to dispute the claim?
Yet, it is worth noting that though the statement is true, and can be
proven to be true, to truly “accept” the proof, a substantial, if not
impenetrable threshold of knowledge is required.
Unfortunately,
all too many arguments in this world take a similar structure, in cases where
one party stands to benefit from their inability to grasp the proof. Consider certain widely accepted scientific
realities such as the earth’s spherical shape, its orbit about the sun, its
age, evolution, the link between HIV and AIDS, climate change, that
on-base-percentage is more relevant to wins and losses in baseball than batting
average, runs, and RBIs, and even the famous Monty Hall problem from “Let’s Make
a Deal.” However, in each case, specific
prerequisite knowledge is required in order to comprehend the reasoning which
confirms the truth of each item in the list.
Hypothetically,
(as of course, such a scenario would never truly occur…wink-wink, nudge-nudge)
a given person’s career might be threatened by establishing, once-and-for-all, the
veracity of one of those items. Consider
the plight of Galileo and Copernicus, two heliocentrists whose sound scientific
studies demonstrated beyond argument that the earth orbits the sun, that our
supposition of residing at the center of the cosmos was simply false. Their detractors in the holy roman church lacked
the prerequisite knowledge to grasp the merits of the “proof” offered their
way, lacked the interest to gain that prerequisite knowledge, and much worse,
risked a loss of theological relevance should the proof be accepted. Though the body of scientific knowledge grew and
widespread acceptance occurred as the years past, the works of Galileo and
Copernicus remained on the list of forbidden books for over 200 years until
1835 and church issued its first formal apology in 2000. This should not be surprising, though of
course, for those of us who value science as a means to answer the questions
posed by our world, it is dreadfully depressing.
Even
today, this same stonewalling display of strategic ignorance is deployed with
respect to professional sports and the use of statistics. The same voices that assert its irrelevance
lack any of the training necessary to assess its merits! This is again, a reality, especially in a
world in which the “new idea” often renders the most recognizable voices of the
old idea obsolete, transforming respected figures into the doddering old fools
of yesteryear. The old guard will
maintain their positions long after the overwhelming majority has abandoned
them. Such is the way of the world.
The
purpose of this essay is not to advocate for any of the truths presented in my
incomplete list of things that are generally accepted as fact. An unpleasant and unavoidable byproduct of
the human experience is the inevitability of an altercation with someone
somewhere who disputes one of these indisputable truths. Invariably, they will lack all necessary
sophistication to discuss the issue on terms that might illuminate and remedy
their ignorance, and yet, will insist that their knowledge base is more than
adequate, and that anyone who disagrees has simply been hoodwinked or misinformed. Billy Joel said it best, “you should never
argue with a crazy mind…you oughtta know by now…” Save your breath, your logic, your sense of
decorum, and most importantly, your sanity.
Smile politely, head in the opposite direction with all deliberate
speed, and avoid the incessant urge to locate the nearest blunt object and
wield it maliciously…
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