How Do I Know to Be True That Which I Know to Be True?

By Jo Johnson

2 min read

“How do I know to be true that which I know to be true?”

Self-reflection in search of truth

This question is a very important to me. It helps me evaluate my own beliefs and input from others. When I find myself having to dig deep to defend something I believe in, I sometimes need to ask myself:

How do I know it to be true?
Can I find reinforcing proof?
Can I prove it to be wrong?
How did I learn this truth?

Evaluating new information

With the onset of RA, and later the pandemic, I began to ask myself about the information shared with me.

The phrases “common knowledge” and “everyone knows” set up red flags for me.

The same is true about the absolutes: “everyone knows”, “always”, “all the experts”, etc.

On the flip side, I know people who believe the best argument for something is “contrary to common knowledge.” They love to think they understand something on a level beyond others. Whether they do or not.

During Covid arguments (UGH!), I learned to red flag when someone was unwilling to share their sources or furnish studies to back up their statements.

Articles from non-scientists (aka journalists) aren’t enough for me. “Show me the study!”

My critieria for evaluating information

So now I ask myself a few questions:

How do I know that?
How does this person know that?
Did I ask for advice from them?
Are they wiling to share their educational and professional background with me?
Are their sources reputable and do they share them? Is there more than one source with this information?
Sometimes a study is straight forward and I am able to glean what I need from it. If not, who can I turn to that can help me? Preferably someone with a lot more initials behind their name than me!
Did they stay at a Holiday Inn Express?

It helps ground me when I return to the question above. How about you?

Have you ever asked yourself, “How do I know to be true that which I know to be true?”

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The RheumatoidArthritis.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Lori Foster" user-id="4585696"/> Lori, I think I understand where you’re coming from. I have had a Rheumatologist that was a disaster. I believe my second opinions have saved my life. There is no substitute for a doctor you trust! When I wrote my piece, I was hoping to encourage people to check themselves and the people giving them advice. I think it’s important to be wary of people giving advice that are not up front about the specifics of their education, professional experience and resources. Thank you for the reminder that it is important to advocate for ourselves and that many of us do have the ability too search for and evaluate information. It is through that process that I am able to go to my doctor appointments prepared to discuss my options and concerns in more depth. And thank you for your work as an Admin on this site, Jo
1. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="Jo Johnson" user-id="3158858"/>. Maybe it comes from my physics background, but I'm a big fan questioning, exploring, and research. A big part of what moves science forward is, as you discussed, the questioning of what we believe to be true (many think of Einstein's theory of relativity as a bolt out of the blue in advancing physics and, to a point, that is true, but Newtonian mechanics was breaking down in explaining what scientists with newer, better instruments were able to observe - something new was needed to explain. I know, I'm getting way into the weeds 😀 ). I can't help but think of a conversation Kelly and I had with her rheumatologist and a fellow. We were discussing patients having symptoms even though inflammation numbers had been brought down into the normal range. Of course, there is the impact of existing damage, but the fellow brought up the the idea of inflammation that they simply didn't have a way to measure yet (something I had already put some thought into) - just like prior to the CRP test this was inflammation that could not be directly measured. It ended up being a really interesting discussion. A good doctor shouldn't be afraid of an informed patient. Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about self-diagnosis, but the ability to ask questions and fully participate as a partner in one's care. Heck, research is making great strides in including patient voices and perspectives in designing research projects (I can't seem to tag L. Rick Phillips here, but I believe he has participated in some research design projects). Patient advocacy helps make the field and care better. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
2. Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3227544"/> Thanks! I so look forward to more ways to measure inflammation and it's casues with the results being a quick start to treatment! Jo
Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
It's difficult to parse what's good info and what isn't when you have a disease where some doctors can't even tell you what's actually happening to your own body and it's all guesses, trial and error, until it works, and that's the best case scenario. It is great to have something that people newly diagnosed can look to to help get through the overwhelming amount of information that comes when you first and finally have a name for this thing attacking your body. Good info. Keep on keepin' on, DPM

How Do I Know to Be True That Which I Know to Be True?

Self-reflection in search of truth

Evaluating new information

My critieria for evaluating information

Join the conversation

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