Fifth Agreement

Jose Ruiz a Miguel Ángel Ruiz

(My note: This passage of the book is translated by me from the original Czech version, so there might be some mistakes. The page may not match the original either).

The power of doubt, Fifth agreement: Be skeptical, but listen, page 115

“The fifth agreement is Be skeptical, but listen. Be skeptical, because most of what you hear is not true. You know that people speak with symbols and that symbols are not real. The symbols are true only because of our mutual agreement, not because they are really true. However, the second half of the agreement is listen, and the reason for this is simple: When you learn to listen, you will understand the meaning of the symbols that people use. You will understand their story and communication will greatly improve. Maybe then all the confusion between the people who inhabit the country will be replaced by mutual understanding. 

Once you realize that almost nothing you know through symbols is true, then doubt becomes much more important. Doubting is a master’s skill because It’s used to recognize the truth. Whenever you hear a message from yourself or another artist, simply ask, “Is this true or not? Is this a reality, or is it just a virtual reality? ” Doubt will lead you beyond the symbols and make you responsible for every message you convey or receive. Why would you want to put your faith in a message that is not true? By doubting, you do not believe every message. Don’t trust the symbols, then you can trust yourself.”