Editorial October 14, 1922 Issue

The True Viewpoint

Ella W. Hoag

Mankind believes in many viewpoints. Indeed, each person believes he has a viewpoint of his own, and that it may vary with every problem which presents itself to him for solution. This viewpoint which he calls his own he believes to be made up, in general, of his opinions in regard to what is true and false, right and wrong, pleasant and unpleasant. Then, when a problem comes to him to solve, he looks at it in the light of his own opinion, and judges the circumstances and conditions in such varying manner as may seem to him necessary and desirable. In all this, it is easily seen, there is no fixity, no reliability; all is shifting and uncertain, fluctuating and unstable. That results pertaining thereto would also partake of these unreliable qualities would necessarily follow.

This multiplicity of viewpoints is one of the most prominent reasons for the frequent divergence among men in their conclusions in regard to questions, whether of person or of state, of home, church, or civics—national or otherwise. If men have no fixed viewpoint for their own affairs, how could they have one for the affairs of the world, or how could they expect unity, in opinion or activity, among associations of masses? The truth is that men never agree until they come to accept, at least temporarily, a common viewpoint. Without a united vision from which to consider questions, no unity could possibly be attained. Most of the disagreements among men are the result of considering questions from varying standpoints. Human opinions, for the most part, are based on the belief in many minds. With many minds, many viewpoints inevitably result. From such a shifting basis varying conclusions follow, and dissension and division walk in their train; for with personal, material viewpoints, even though those holding such may temporarily seem to concur in purpose and conclusion, differences of opinion again arise, and discord and separation are the outcome.

In "Miscellaneous Writings" (p. 265), Mrs. Eddy writes: "Diverse opinions in Science are stultifying. All must have one Principle and the same rule; and all who follow the Principle and rule have but one opinion of it." Herein is a clear and concise statement of the one universal viewpoint. When grasped and demonstrated, it will bring that perfect concord among brethren which will prove heaven present, as surely as God is present. On the way to the full apprehension of this unvarying standpoint, where there is perfect fixity, perfect reliability, perfect unity, with all resulting harmony, men have many a lesson to learn.

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