What I know for sure...

This title was taken from Oprah's "last word" at the end of each of her magazines. I was thinking about what I *do* know for sure, and it doesn't seem to be very much.

Are all the things I hold to be truths actually so? Am I deluding myself more often than I'd like to believe? How, exactly, does one determine what is true and what is not? Where do scientists and analysts get their data, and how reliable is it?

In undergrad, I had the dubious honor of writing a thesis (complete with a study and all that). For this, I had to read a LOT of research. Hundreds of articles, actually. From all that reading, I learned that the more I read/"learn," the more I see how much I don't know. That is to say, I'm not sure what to believe anymore.

It is made very clear in late childhood/mid-adolescence that some so-called truths (e.g., the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Santa, and so forth) are, of course, lies. Where does it stop? Are we as a human race so fixed on the idea of someone "judging" us so we don't have to do it for ourselves? Is it easier to believe in magic than to accept only what we can directly observe? (Gosh, I feel like Carrie on "Sex & the City," inquiring about things I can never really answer.)

What I did learn, though, is that I should not solicit comments on my blog. First, I got no relevant comments (just a repeated one in Portugese that doesn't even pertain to the topic I had presented), and second, this blog should be for my own gratification, really. Readers, if there is a pressing issue or comment you'd like to make, I encourage you to feel free to do so on this site. However, I will no longer go searching for your thoughts. So that's that.

I've been watching Penn & Teller's "Bullshit" series (one) on DVD. It's interesting stuff. The premise is that they go around and "de-bunk" ideas/beliefs held by some of the general population. (In particular, they've gone after self-proclaimed mediums/psychics, alien "abductees," and so forth). However, the whole program has made me wonder where statistics come from. Working for the health department, I have facts and figures thrown at me all the time. Of course, the purpose of the stats I see is to persuade others to adopt a healthy lifestyle, but I just can't help but question the validity of these numbers.

Also, as my last week as a 23-year-old, I'm questioning what, exactly, I want from life. Is the whole get-married-have-kids thing little more than a ploy to produce more consumers, or is it more pure than that? Do I want to stay in traditional female roles (esp. working far below the earning potential of men with my education), or do I want to "step up" to a higher position? Should I venture into the corporate world, uncertain of my true motivations, or stick with helping people while making a modest salary? What kind of impact do I want to have on the world, and how can I do it? What should I strive for while I'm alive? What do I need to be fulfilled?

Sorry. I suppose I'm merely at a quarter-life crisis in my life, and I'm confident it will pass. Eventually. Then it'll be midlife crisis time! :)

For now, I shall complete my day of "work" (which, today, is consisting of killing time before heading home). I actually *miss* teaching. I felt that, although I was drained physically and emotionally, I was at least making a difference. I can't really say the same at my current job. Grass is always greener, eh?

(Oh, and as an aside, I didn't mean for this entry to end on such a seemingly negative note... I just am trying to sort things out, and I often find that that's easier to do when I have something written upon which to reflect. Fear not, kind reader; I'm still generally happy and fulfilled with life. It's just a time to question the status quo and whatnot. Peace!)