The Human Element

     Everything we read and hear contains a human element; likewise, everything we write and say.  The human element can contain mistakes, exaggerations, delusions, and wishful thinking.  It can be untrustworthy, misleading, and self-serving.  On the other hand, the human element can contain truth, creativity, and wisdom.
     Every written word comes from a human being, although some people are open to the possibility of spiritual inspiration.  Most religions are based on the belief that God has spoken and man has repeated the words and written them down, creating sacred texts.  We need to think about what comes from man and what may be authored by a higher power.
     When we read, we need to consider the authors and how the messages have been altered over time.  Some of what we read is myth, fable, and legend.  These creations gave an explanation of the universe  when societies lacked the sophisticated knowledge provided by modern science.  Even today, people continue to believe many religious myths.
     While some myths are ancient, others are being crafted today by politicians and advertisers.  These misleading and self-serving myths distort our thinking.  We may buy the ideas or products based on exaggerated or false information.  Be careful because what you read and hear may not be true.    
     When we write, we need to distinguish between fact and opinion.  Some of what we write is fact that we can back up with evidence.  Some of what we write may be our opinions, and we can include our reasoning that forms them.  Hopefully, our human element will contain wisdom.