Morpheus and the Red Pill

Human beings are naturally inclined to see what they want to see. The truth is often uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful, so we look for ways around it. The Matrix movie comes to mind when people think about this phenomenon. Morpheus offers Neo a blue pill and a red pill, the latter of which will show him reality as it really is. The rest of the movie chronicles Neo’s journey into the world where he must question everything he knows in order to save humanity from an external oppressor.

In our every day lives, we’re faced with many decisions that require us to either take one side or another without knowing all of the facts first hand; some might call these “moral dilemmas.” The more information you have, the easier it gets to solve some of these. However, we’re not always in a situation where we know all sides of the story.

There’s usually an exception to every rule. Consider alternatives if pursuing truth results in breaking the law or physical violence. To improve your judgement and be wrong less often.

The only way to build trust is by telling the truth. The organization has a feedback culture where people are believed, heard, and respected. Do you want to improve your judgement?

What risks would you take in pursuit of radical transparency? Would you tell everyone what you think if there was no chance an opinion could be unpopular or controversial.

Always seek out the truth even if it contradicts beliefs you hold. Self-deceit and ignorance can harm you. The moment when you realize that you can no longer live with your own self-deceit is cathartic in ways that are hard to explain.

I’ve always been a seeker of truth, and I know the risks. The moment when you realize that you can no longer live with your own self-deceit is cathartic in ways that are hard to explain. The Matrix movie still resonates on this topic because it offers us an opportunity for reflection and choice about it also has us ask the hard questions.

The red pill of truth will help you make better judgements and be wrong less often, but I want you to consider alternative paths if pursuing the truth requires breaking law or physical violence.

Let me know what you think on social media. be open. Be vulnerable.