What is real? Sure, some people are going to answer that matter and energy are the only things that really are, but what we call sensation: is that not real, too? Feelings, too — sadness is real, and happiness. Yes, they can be described in terms of electrochemical reactions in our brain and nervous system; we can even cause feelings to occur or diminish by applications of electricity or medication; but even just that perception of “I am”: all the books of philosophy exist to try and explain it, and all of them combined have yet to do it justice. The experience of it all is real, however inexplicable it may be. Descartes has even said that our experiencing nothing but our own being is the one thing that he could not doubt, even in his quest to doubt everything.

Perhaps, though, what is real can include things that are subject to doubt. Some people think there is no truth, merely facts, and then there are others that believe just about everything they hear. There seems to be, however, something to be seen about those we call wise. Even if the truth is not absolutely observable, these whom we call enlightened seem all to be pointing in the direction where it may be. Their ideas may be radical, but they say things that may be relevant to us if we deem it important to look closer. Plato, for instance, said we are like ones who live in a cave, who see only the shadows of the true forms that exist outside. The one named Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is inside you…. What is real? At least ask. You may find your own answers surprise you.