What we Think, Know, and Believe
What value does a belief hold if it never leaves the comfort of your own mind? Would you consider it a form of intellectual treasure you never spend? A needle of a compass that never moves? Have you ever witnessed someone who finds a profound fulfillment in a value, even without acting upon it? The division between thinking versus doing is what John Ruskin captured when he posited that “What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do,” asserting that beliefs hold no impact unless acted upon. “Consequence” in this context would suggest the impact our actions have on society and ourselves, and what we do has an effect, rather than what we merely think or believe, unless those beliefs are translated into actions. To that end, an unexpressed belief that never becomes an action is like a harvest left to rot in the field. Therefore, we must act upon our beliefs to achieve social and meaningful impact.
The creation of art embodies this very principle of how acting on our beliefs can lead to impact, as they can enhance public perception by illuminating the harsh, overlooked verities embedded in human experiences. Beneath the surface of our everyday world lie hidden struggles that most of us overlook. Yet, storytellers are compelled to tear away the scab that conceals the wounds of society. An example of this is vividly demonstrated through Barbara Ehrenreich's essay “Serving in Florida,” where she uncovers the harsh realities of working as an underpaid worker. Motivated by the belief that the working poor are systematically abused, which she conveys through the vivid imagery of the dehumanising environment, she acts upon this belief by creating an essay to expose the immense difficulties faced by lower-wage workers in an ordinary setting that society is oblivious to. Her essay, therefore, changed society's perception towards the working poor, fostering greater empathy and a better understanding of the harsh realities that target a significant portion of the population. Similarly, the film“Parasite,” a 2018 Korean film, also illuminates the harsh realities and devastating effects of class inequality, criticizing the act of living off the labor of others. Bong Joon-ho, a South Korean film producer, conceived the idea for “Parasite” based on his firsthand experience as a college tutor for a wealthy family in Seoul, Korea. His experience allowed him to gain insight into the symbiotic relationship between the lower and upper classes, where he developed the idea that both the rich and the poor are “parasites” in their own way, as the upper class parasitizes the labor and dignity of the lower class to maintain their comfort. In contrast, the lower class lives off the rich in a desperate attempt to survive. Determined by his beliefs towards the harmful invisible barrier that segregates South Korean society between the rich and poor, he created this film, which ultimately achieved national and global impact through its universal theme and resonance with other parts of the world. Its message sparked interest and discussion among the Korean citizens and government, in an attempt to relieve the social divide, while also emphasising the prevalence of this common problem and teaching individuals the importance of standing on your own, earning on your own, and living on your own, to avoid becoming parasites that leech off the work of others. However, a critic may concede that art challenging societal beliefs may be too subtle or inaccessible to have a significant social impact. For example, Barbara Ehrenreich's essay was published in her novel “Nickel and Dimed,” a popular source primarily among students and teachers within the literary community rather than the general public. Similarly, Bong Joon-ho’s film “Parasite” was initially popular mainly in Korea, as its language and cultural storyline limited its accessibility and impact beyond Korea before its English translation. Nevertheless, Ehrenreich's essay is now a widely studied text that helps students worldwide, enhancing their perspective towards underpaid workers and inspiring them to contemplate and discuss the issue. Likewise, after its international release, Parasite won numerous awards, enabling its message to spread globally and gain international praise. Thus, we should not negate the significance of less overt strategies of acting upon our beliefs, as any belief acted upon holds inherent value to provoke and inspire change on any level, such as fulfilling a creator's beliefs or ultimately captivating the world. So, if the change obtained is not linear for all, can "significant impact" truly be confined to one definition?
Apart from art demonstrating the social impact that can be achieved when we act upon our beliefs, history has proven that acting upon beliefs can also transform society. Through acts of determination and courage, historical figures have demonstrated that advocating for a belief can establish enduring positive social change. An example of this is evident through the influential figure, Rosa Parks, a young female African American who refused to surrender her seat on a bus during the 1950s. Fueled by her belief in the unjust rule that segregated people of her kind, Rosa Parks made a critical leap from private to public action. Her belief, which once remained as an internal thought, transformed into a courageous and deliberate act of defiance against an unjust system when she took a stand against racial segregation, despite fear of retribution. She gave voice not only to her beliefs, but also to those who endured the same injustice but lived in fear of speaking out. Expressing her beliefs through this solitary act rather than simply isolating them has thus created a long-lasting impact on our society. Her civil rights movement for racial equality has sparked significant change towards racial segregation in the past decades, and has emphasized the significant impact that acting upon a belief can achieve. The notion that beliefs hold no impact unless acted upon is further emphasized through the works of Martin Luther King Jr. Similarly, MLK Jr. understood the lack of power and change a belief would have if kept isolated within his mind, understanding that beliefs require actions to become a force that could resist social issues. Therefore, MLK acted upon his belief against racial injustice through conducting speeches, such as his famous “I Have a Dream Speech,” and campaigns to advocate for equality among African Americans. His speeches and campaigns provided him a platform to highlight the brutal and discriminatory circumstances endured, in hopes of relieving the fear instilled in those enduring racial injustice and segregation. In the end, MLK emerged as a core leader of the Civil Rights Movement through his powerful campaigns and protests. His decision to act stands as a testament to the transformative power of acting on one's beliefs, a legacy of enduring social change that continues to be celebrated. There is no doubt that the accomplishments by Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr have left a profound and enduring imprint that still remains to shape the modern world today. Yet, despite their pivotal impact on the Civil Rights Movement, it's easier said than done, and acting upon one's beliefs can be a costly endeavor. For example, following Rosa Parks' arrest, many African Americans involved in the Montgomery Bus Boycott experienced economic retaliation and violent backlash through the destruction of property. Similarly, following Martin Luther King Jr’s Birmingham campaign, scenes of brutality and retribution were evident, as violence was used to gain sympathy, ultimately creating a brutal journey for those involved. Indeed, these acts led to paid prices and demanded the greatest sacrifices, as those involved carried the heavy burden of the consequences. But what act doesn’t require a sacrifice, a cost, a factor that makes us second-guess our decision? Should we shy away from advocating our beliefs just because we fear the risks involved? Ultimately, despite the heavy price they paid, Rosa Parks and MLK achieved a transformative outcome so profound that its legacy continues to shape our society, proving that such change requires the courage to act in spite of retribution.
But can a belief that never translates into action still hold worth? Are beliefs considered valuable although never acted upon? One could argue that since we inevitably and unconsciously embody our beliefs in daily life, a physical act upon them is not always necessary, since a belief in itself holds value by allowing us to foster personal fulfilment and achieve impact. This can be demonstrated in the realms of environmental and religious beliefs. For example, if one strongly believes in the harsh impacts of global warming, they may embody this belief by being more cautious with products they purchase, what foods they eat, and how they communicate this topic to others. Ultimately, fostering a sense of personal integrity and fulfillment by relieving the guilt that could occur if we didn’t devote ourselves to this belief. Moreover, this can be similarly demonstrated using religious beliefs as another example. If one is deeply devoted to the Christian faith, they may incorporate Christian traditions into their life, such as attending church, influencing their clothing choices, and shaping what holidays they celebrate. Fulfilling personal values happens inevitably since we embody these beliefs regardless of whether we engage in overt actions. A belief in itself can also create a domino effect by inspiring others, leading to social impact indirectly. If we are constantly exposed to individuals rooted in their faith, this could trigger curiosity and encourage us to explore and eventually adopt their beliefs. Similarly, living alongside an individual who constantly promotes sustainability can influence our purchasing habits. Proponents of this view, however, may fail to consider that the act of what we buy or what we say is a form of acting upon our belief, since we wouldn’t choose to purchase sustainable products without some belief in environmentalism, just as we wouldn't attend church without some belief in its teachings. Thus, every choice we make —from what we buy to what we say— is a form of acting upon our beliefs. Although it is human nature that we inevitably embody our beliefs, this claim that a belief in itself is valuable is, to an extent, inaccurate, because some variation of an act, whether it's through overt actions or through what we say, buy, wear, or believe, is involved to create an impact or reach self-fulfillment.
When possessing a belief that you deem important, what form should your action take? Should it be the quiet embodiment of that belief in your daily choices, or a public, overt act? It is natural for us to overlook the difference between thinking and doing, but John Ruskin’s emphasis that “What we think, or what we know, or what we believe is, in the end, of little consequence. The only consequence is what we do,” encourages us to interpret the importance of acting upon a belief or understanding as it can foster a long lasting impact and reveal the hidden truths among groups in society. Expressing certain beliefs may be risky, but, as the impact often extends beyond yourself, a belief spoken aloud holds the power to become a collective force.