This quote is suggesting that universal truths, or the principles that are generally accepted as true by most people regardless of their cultural, religious, or personal beliefs, have become something of an inconvenience. This may be because in our modern society where there’s a lot of emphasis on individuality and personal truth, these universal truths can seem outdated or too rigid. They may even be seen as an impediment to progress and evolution.
Yet despite this embarrassment or unease they cause, these truths persistently exist. They won’t quite go away because they form the basic foundation of human understanding and interaction. These are often values such as honesty is the best policy, treat others how you want to be treated etc., which continue to guide human behavior universally.
Applying this idea in today’s world could mean recognizing that while it’s important for us to foster our individual perspectives and truths based on our unique experiences and understandings, we should not completely disregard these universal truths. They still hold relevance in guiding us towards moral behavior and ethical decisions.
In terms of personal development also, while it’s necessary for each person to define their own path based on their beliefs and aspirations; acknowledging universal truths can provide a stable grounding. It offers a framework within which we can navigate our lives effectively without losing sight of fundamental human values.
For instance: If someone is trying hard to fit into societal norms at the cost of their mental peace (like pursuing a high paying job instead being happy), here comes the role of Universal truth – Happiness is more important than money – helping them make better life decisions.
Thus Cooley’s quote emphasizes balancing between honoring one’s own subjective truth while respecting enduring universal principles for holistic growth.
