Ayn Rand: 'The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody had decided not to see.'

The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody had decided not to see.

"The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody had decided not to see." - Ayn RandAt first glance, this quote by Ayn Rand might seem like a simple observation of human behavior. It suggests that individuals often choose to ignore or overlook things that are plainly evident, perhaps due to their own biases, preconceived notions, or a collective agreement to turn a blind eye. In essence, it highlights the difficulty in convincing people to acknowledge the truth when it conflicts with their existing beliefs.This notion from Rand carries substantial importance in both personal and societal contexts. On an individual level, it reminds us of the inherent tendency to deny or avoid confronting uncomfortable truths, opting instead for a more comfortable reality. We have all experienced instances where we deliberately choose to ignore glaringly evident facts, turning a blind eye to avoid admitting that we might be wrong or facing challenging circumstances head-on.Societally, the consequences of collectively refusing to see the glaringly evident can be far-reaching and significant. It might manifest in the form of societal denial, where widespread issues or injustices are perpetuated due to a lack of acknowledgment or action. Whether it be social inequality, climate change, or inherent systemic biases, society has a propensity to overlook uncomfortable truths collectively.But let us now delve into a philosophical concept that might shed a fresh light on Rand's quote. Consider the idea of collective consciousness. This philosophical concept suggests that our individual thoughts and self-awareness are connected to a greater collective consciousness. Simply put, we are not just independent beings, but part of a larger shared intellect that shapes our understanding and perception of the world.When we view the quote through the lens of collective consciousness, the implications become even more intriguing. Could it be that the glaringly evident truths that individuals choose not to see are not just a product of their own biases but also influenced by the collective consciousness? Is it possible that societal agreement to overlook certain truths is rooted in this shared intellect?The concept of collective consciousness introduces the notion that societal norms, shared beliefs, and cultural conditioning shape our individual perceptions and, consequently, our ability to see what is inherently evident. This philosophical lens suggests that the difficulty in explaining the glaringly evident arises not just from individual biases but from a collective agreement to ignore certain truths. It is a shared blind spot that perpetuates itself, making it even harder to break free from ingrained patterns of thinking.In contrast to Rand's original quote, the introduction of collective consciousness emphasizes that the difficulty in explaining the glaringly evident is not solely an individual's struggle but a societal one. It underscores the intricacies of human cognition and the complex interplay between individual and collective consciousness. Exploring this philosophical concept allows us to deepen our understanding of why certain truths remain unseen despite their apparent nature.In conclusion, Ayn Rand's quote about the hardest thing to explain being the glaringly evident that everybody has decided not to see highlights the innate human tendency to overlook uncomfortable truths. It serves as a reminder of the difficulty in changing preconceived notions and convincing others to acknowledge what is evident. Additionally, when considering the concept of collective consciousness, we gain a deeper perspective on the societal implications of this phenomenon. The shared blind spot that arises from collective agreement adds another layer of complexity to the challenge of explaining the obvious. By exploring both the individual and collective aspects of this struggle, we can strive to overcome our biases and work towards a society that embraces the truth, however uncomfortable it may be.