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NON-ABSOLUTISM

Non-absolutism means maintaining open-mindedness. This includes the recognition of all perspectives and a humble respect for differences in beliefs. Encouraging its adherents to consider the views and beliefs of their rivals and opposing parties. The principle of non-absolutism influenced Mahatma Gandhi to adopt principles of religious tolerance. Non-absolutism is more formally stated by observing that objects are infinite in their qualities and modes of existence, so they cannot be completely grasped in all aspects and manifestations by finite human perception.

Accordingly, no single, specific human view can claim to represent absolute truth.

 

Illustration of this theory through the parable of the blind men and an elephant. In this story, each blind man feels a different part of an elephant: its trunk, leg, ear, and so on.

All of them claim to understand and explain the true appearance of the elephant, but due to their limited perspectives, can only partly succeed. As reality is complex, no single proposition can express its full nature. Every object has infinite aspects, but when we describe one in practice, we speak only of relevant aspects and ignore the irrelevant. In part, philosophical disputes arise out of confusion of standpoints, and the standpoints we adopt are "the outcome of purposes that we may pursue" – although we may not realize it. Partial expression of truth, enables us to comprehend reality part by part.

In short, no one person or entity possesses the entirety of knowledge nor the wholesome answers to life's greatest questions.

We all have to cooperate in order to navigate throughout life, the greatest journey we will ever live through and die at the end. No one escapes time.

Don't take life too seriously, you'll never make it out alive.

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