Facts and insights explain the truth. However, even though both lead to the truth, the fact and insight processes are very different.
Facts are things proven to be true through evidence, research, and actual existence. Insights are someone’s ability to see into an object or situation and pull some truth from it.
Typically, observations help develop insights. They help us understand, analyze, and shape thoughts/ideas, while facts solidify knowledge.
The Hot Dog Of It All
For the past decade, people on the internet have been trying to solve a fundamental question – “is the hot dog a sandwich?” This discussion has gone to such extremes. Some have called it a taco, while others claim it to be a sausage roll. Can’t it be simply a hot dog?
Notably, people who do not subscribe to the “hot dog is a sandwich” way of thinking creates some exciting insight regarding this “not-sandwich.” For example, some say it would be challenging to walk up to a hot dog stand, ask for a sandwich, and not expect to receive some strange looks. Nevertheless, the American hot dog has become an iconic staple.
By the Merriam-Webster standard definition of insight, the “not-sandwich” hot dog believers have “the power or act of seeing INTO a situation.” These “not-sandwich” hot dog thinkers have the insight, “a hot dog is not a sandwich by cultural standards.”
How can you argue with that insight? With facts. What are the facts about hot dogs and sandwiches?
According to Merriam-Webster, a sandwich is “two pieces of bread with something (such as meat, peanut butter, etc.) between them.”
By definition, a hot dog – the meat – is between two pieces of bread. One could argue the “seam” of the bread is the game-changer. But then explain the sub. Is it not a sub sandwich? Additionally, some people claim a sandwich doesn’t require two pieces of bread, for example, the open-faced sandwich.
Chaos!
In this example, facts prove a hot dog is a sandwich by definition, while “not-sandwich” thinkers express their truths through insight.
But, of course, this wild topic doesn’t end here because what is a hamburger?
Jessica Kupcake 