On Knowing and Believing

I had a brief discussion on the difference between knowing and believing with my fellow computer scientist who seemed suspiciously well-educated on philosophy.

I told him there were only two things I knew. I know He exists and I exist (cogito, ergo sum. I think therefore I am). I argued that true objectivity is unattainable as a human being and that everything we observe and output is subjective views by individual experiences in space-time. Objectivity is only possible for an omnipotent being. I don’t think we even know what the word omnipotence truly means since we are by definition not omnipotent. We have a word for it but know nothing more than that.

Now that I’m recovering from my severe hangover, I realise there is a third thing that I know.

I know He exists, I exist, and He loves me.

Proverbs 3:5-6

[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

[6] In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.