Quote by William Safire

What’s obvious to you?

When did it become obvious?

Is it obvious to everyone?

And, is it really obvious or only obvious to some?

Let’s look at a simple example.

When did it become obvious to you that water is wet?

Follow my thinking here.

You didn’t realize that water was wet until someone told you it was. You knew that if you touched water, you’d experience something, but you didn’t have a name for that experience or feeling until someone said something along the lines of if you do that, you’ll get wet. And you probably didn’t question the person who told you water is wet because there was some form of authority or power in your relationship with them.

But how about now? Are you still relying on what others tell you that should be obvious?

Obvious can be used as a limiting tool if you let it. You might think of it as an imaginary line in the sand that says to you, of course, you should know this, so don’t question it because no one else does.

When you find yourself saying or thinking something is obvious, question it for a moment, especially if you’ve never really encountered the situation before and are relying solely on the word of another. And refrain from telling others what should be obvious to them because what’s obvious to you is the sum of your unique life experiences, not theirs.

P.S. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed it, do me a favor and share it with one person you love.