Truth

  The problem lies in agreeing on the truth. That's the long and short of it. I was reminded of that yesterday after reading a posting on Facebook. I don't remember the exact wording but it concerned opinions. Something about people confusing opinions with facts. My response, of course, was that's your opinion. That retort was meant to be funny, not sarcastic and I believe it was received that way. It is one of the more difficult things to accomplish in writing, getting the reader to know sarcasm from humor. There is a fine line between a wise guy and a wise ass. I'm thinking that is the proverbial edge we all walk upon. But whatever the case may be, I did also respond with, " Truth exists only when we discern it to be so." 

 So what do I mean by that? I'm just saying that what you believe to be the truth, is the truth. Everything else is just someone's opinion of that truth. Yes, I know, in your opinion I am wrong, but that's your opinion, not mine. I'm right if I believe I am right. That is simply how it works. If I offer an opinion, it may or may not be what I actually believe. It's true, I may not actually believe everything I write or say. Mutual truth only exists when we agree on that truth. That's why I say that is where the problem lies, in agreeing on the truth. It is the basis of faith. When we all agree on something, anything, we place our faith in that, we believe in that truth. Believing the truth is the hardest thing a person can do. It requires a commitment. You can't go changing your mind whenever that truth becomes inconvenient or uncomfortable. It requires being what we once called being steadfast. That is not to be confused with stubborn. Stubborn is when you refuse to accept the truth. Of course that all depends on whose truth it is. I am steadfast in my truth, stubborn when it comes to accepting yours. See the difference there? 

 Many of us spend a great deal of time and effort looking for truth to back up our opinion. That's what all this, what are your sources is all about. Many are under the impression that a celebrity has some special knowledge or power to know the truth and therefore they should be listened too and followed closely. Many others look to levels of education as proof positive, that person has a degree. Educational level has little to do with truth and everything to do with opinion. Much of that has to do with the "school" you attended. If you doubt that talk to a psychiatrist about what he or she believes, then talk to another one. Yes, they will often disagree on the truth. The local bartender may be as competent in that area as the Harvard graduate. The truth is, truth is only what you believe it to be. It is faith in that truth that tells us we are right. 

 I do think that it is getting to be a problem, a lack of commitment. We can see that everywhere these days. The obvious is in marriages, the are quickly dissolved and dismissed these days. It's true even when the traditional vows have been recited. And that is part of the problem reciting, not understanding or believing in that recitation. The value of having taken an oath these days has certainly diminished. The handshake has been replaced by litigation. The reason for that is easy to understand, you can just take back any litigated situation by more litigation. Words, once spoken however can never be retracted. That's why it has been said a man's word is his bond. But that has lost its' import in today's world. And the reason for that is a lack of commitment. A lack of personal commitment. A lack of personal truth. It's true the world is an easier place to live if you just agree with everyone and everything. Or, more properly, I should say you don't voice your disagreement. Then, by not doing so, you often wind up supporting things you don't believe simply not to expose yourself. You become confused about your own truth! 

Truth exists only when we discern it to be so." Truth requires a personal commitment. Mutual truth can only exist when everyone agrees. A mutual agreement obligates two or more parties to each other. The obligation may contain actions that are and are not allowed. Mutual truth is an obligation to the society. In the United States of America that mutual agreement, that truth, is the Constitution. How many are committed to that agreement today? How many understand what that document even is? Far too many believe that document merely delineates their rights, when in fact, it also delineates their obligations. 

I'm a bit inadequate to the task of explaining that, but this excerpt does a fine job:

  

• In family, church, and school, until the middle of the twentieth century, the rising generation of Americans were taught that they must be personally responsible for their own welfare, for the care of their aging family members, for the security and prosperity of their community, for their patrimony of order and justice and freedom, A sense of responsibility is developed by severe lessons, by private risk and accountability, by a humane education, by religious understanding, by knowledge of the past. Once upon a time, this sense of responsibility was diffused throughout the American nation. If it drains away, the consequences will be dreary.
• Here's the link to the entire article:The Responsibility Of Citizens (nccs.net)