What is reality? The scientist may argue that reality is based upon concrete facts. We can prove they are true and account for them. The philospher may argue that concrete objects are temporary and that reality is what they represent- thought. Are thoughts and ideas more real than tangible objects?
Lev Vygostky (Russian Cognitive Development Psychologist) said that, "A word devoid of thought is a dead thing." Until a book is opened and read, it is meaningless. Once a book is taken into a human mind, it becomes a living thing.
Is reality, then, abstract or concrete? Ah! --the perfect example of my theory of opposites. They are both 100% true. Words, thoughts, and ideas live longer than individuals. Vygotsky was influenced by Russian poet Osip Mandelstam. The idea that we are more than physical beings (concrete reality) is expressed through his poetry. Finding the right containers (words) for our thoughts is our abstract struggle, while finding food and shelter is our concrete one. Mandelstam beautifully illustrates this here:
The word I forgot
Which once I wished to say
And voiceless thought
Returns to the shadow's chamber.
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