How can we bring back two truths of the same thing?
Well, our variations in view are sometimes nothing more than our perspectives.
And your experience changes your perspective.
See, I probably have a different view of Saudi Arabia than you do.
In fact, my view is probably even different than my classmates and friends from that time.
What’s unique is the way we encountered it.
A long time ago I was in the ancient city of Prague and at the same time Joseph Alsop, the justly famous critic of places and events, was there. He talked to informed people, officials, ambassadors; he read reports, even the fine print and figures, while I in my slipshod manner roved about with actors, gypsies, vagabonds. Joe and I flew home to America on the same plane, and on the way he told me about Prague, and his Prague had no relation to the city I had seen and heard. It just wasn’t the same place, and yet each of us was honest, neither one a liar, both pretty good observers by any standard, and we brought home two cities, two truths.
-John Steinbeck, Travels With Charley In Search Of America
