Have you ever felt like the world we see is only part of the story? What if the way we understand the world wasn’t just about cold, hard facts or numbers but also about personal insight and experience? What if science and personal insight were both right—but only when we look at them together?
We often hear that science deals with what is objective—facts, measurements, and what can be proven. On the other hand, personal insights are often seen as subjective, and for some, this automatically makes them less valuable or “unreliable.” But what if that isn’t the case? What if both the objective and subjective aspects of our experience are two sides of the same coin?
When we bring these two perspectives together, we can build a fuller picture of what’s going on in the world around us—and within us. Here’s how science and personal insights can work together.
1. Understanding the World: Objectivity and Subjectivity
When you watch a sunset, science can explain the colours, the light, and the atmosphere—this is the objective side of things, based on facts and measurements. But the way the sunset makes you feel—the sense of awe, peace, or connection—that’s subjective.
It’s personal, and it’s not something you can measure with a thermometer or capture with a formula. Does that mean it’s not important? Absolutely not. Subjective experiences give us insights that facts alone can’t provide, helping us understand what something means to us.
Science helps us understand how the world works, but personal insight helps us understand how it feels and what it means for us as human beings. To make sense of the world, we need both perspectives.
2. The Power of Personal Insight
Science shows us that everything in nature is connected — trees give us oxygen, animals depend on plants, and the oceans affect the weather. These are all facts we can observe and measure. But beyond these facts, there’s a powerful personal realization that comes with this knowledge: We, too, are part of this interconnected web of life.
This isn’t just a scientific fact—it’s an insight that can change the way we see ourselves and the world. It’s personal, yes, but that doesn’t make it any less real or valuable. Recognizing that we are part of something bigger helps us understand the responsibility we have to each other and to the planet.
3. The Limits of Objectivity and the Importance of Subjectivity
Science can explain a lot, from how our brains work to how far away the stars are. But it can’t fully explain things like love, joy, or the feeling of peace you get when you’re walking through the woods or spending time with a loved one. These experiences are deeply subjective, but they’re also deeply human.
That’s where personal insight comes in. It allows us to explore the parts of life that facts and measurements can’t touch. Just because these insights are subjective doesn’t mean they’re not real. In fact, subjectivity is often the only way to access certain truths about life—truths that are vital to our well-being, relationships, and sense of purpose.
4. Subjectivity Isn’t “Bad”—It’s Essential
In some circles, there’s an assumption that “subjective” means unreliable or unimportant, while “objective” means good and trustworthy. But this simply isn’t true. Both objectivity and subjectivity are essential tools for understanding the world.
Objectivity is great for understanding things we can measure—like the speed of light or the temperature outside. But subjectivity helps us understand things that can’t be measured—like happiness, meaning, or a sense of connection. These are real experiences, even if they don’t fit neatly into the world of facts and figures.
In fact, many important decisions in life—whether in business, relationships, or personal growth—are guided by subjective insights. Leaders, for example, often rely on their intuition or gut feelings when making decisions. These decisions can’t be reduced to numbers or formulas, but they’re no less important because they’re based on personal insight.
5. Science and Subjective Insight: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Imagine a puzzle. Science gives us some of the pieces—facts, data, and objective truths. But personal insight gives us the other pieces—the feelings, the meaning, and the personal significance that those facts carry. To complete the puzzle, we need both.
For example, science might tell us that certain behaviours lead to happiness, based on studies and research. But only you can determine what happiness feels like for you. No one else can measure or describe your experience from the inside—that’s something only you can access.
When we bring these two sides together, we get a fuller, richer understanding of life. Science helps us understand how things work, but personal insight helps us understand why they matter. Both are essential for making sense of the world around us.
Conclusion
We live in a world where both objectivity and subjectivity play vital roles. Science gives us tools to measure and understand the mechanics of life, but it’s personal insight that helps us make sense of our experiences in a meaningful way.
Rather than thinking of objectivity and subjectivity as opposites, we can see them as complementary. Each gives us access to different types of knowledge, and together, they help us understand the full picture of reality.
So, the next time you experience something powerful—whether it’s watching a sunset, making a big decision, or reflecting on your life—remember: The facts are important, but so are your personal insights. Both are true, and both are valuable.
Terry Cooke-Davies
5th October 2024
Profound thanks to ChatGPT(4o) from OpenAI for assistance with this article.
