An assumption is “a willingness to accept something as true without question or proof” (Cambridge English Dictionary). It is something we consider to be self-evidently true—something that anyone who knows anything knows to be true. Since it is self-evidently true, it is never questioned or discussed because we don’t think it is necessary. Over time as we don’t question or discuss an assumption, it disappears into the background of our minds. We forget it is even there – ever working to push our thinking on a preset course.
So, essentially an assumption is a starting point for reasoning about our world, our lives, and ourselves. It operates unexamined in the background of our minds—like an autopilot. We can’t help having them, but be careful how you assume. As Oscar Wilde irreverently quipped, “When you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.”
Whenever we watch a TV show or movie; read a book, article, or webpage; or listen to a lecture, lyrics of a song, or just a conversation with a friend or on the radio, there are always assumptions at work. Of course, since they are assumptions, they are seldom discussed, acknowledged, or questioned, but they are always there. Whatever the topic you may see, read, or hear, think of that topic as the top part of an iceberg. This is the part we see, so by analogy this is what we talk about. We may be a champion or a critic of the topic, but it is the visible part of the iceberg.
Yet, there is a whole mass of ice under water that we don’t see. This is the part that generates and supports the part of the iceberg above the water. The bottom of the iceberg is out of sight, so it is seldom discerned. By analogy, the bottom of the iceberg are deeper, more foundational thoughts that make the philosophies above the water possible. The bottom of the iceberg is our assumptions. The things we see and discuss are built on deeper assumptions that we find to be self-evidently true without question and with little or no proof.
Think of some current topics. Why is it that some people are convinced that global climate change is a serious threat to our planet and others do not? Why is it that evolution seems the most plausible explanation for the origin of life for some and others are unpersuaded? Why do some want “sensible” gun control laws and others want anyone who wishes a gun to own one?
You may have discussed these issues and others with friends, family, or acquaintances. When you discussed these topics with someone with whom you disagree, did you notice how difficult it is to persuade them? This is because they likely were operating on different assumptions from you. When you disagree with someone, as long as the conversation remains “above the water,” you are likely going to get nowhere. So you “demolish” evolution, climate change, or gun control. It won’t matter. Something else will grow up to replace it. You haven’t dealt with what generates and supports their position. You have not dealt with their assumptions.
Think about the iceberg analogy for a minute. Which part of the iceberg can sink a ship? It’s the part of the iceberg below the water. So why is it we only discuss topics above the water? We have to get to the deeper thinking. Some are true. Others are flawed and false. What happens to the part of the iceberg above the water if you knock out the part below the water? It collapses. If the assumptions are true, then the things built on them are likely true. However, if the basic assumptions under a topic are false, then the things built on them also are false. If your goal is truth, persuasion, and cultural change, this is a much more simple and effective strategy.
As you probably noticed, the cover of my new book Transparent: How to See Through the Powerful Assumptions That Control You has an iceberg on it for a reason. It is not a matter of if you assume, but how you assume, and whether your assumptions are true. Assumptions are powerful, so it is important to get them right.