Why the Truth Matters

I have a thought I’d like to throw out there:

Our subjective perception of reality shapes how we respond to reality. The closer our subjective perception aligns with reality, the better our lives will be.

The logical conclusion from this statement would be that gaining an understanding of reality is beneficial to us.

Here are two examples to demonstrate:

1) A man is walking down a dark alley at night. He believes he is safe and has no reason to worry. However, a thief with a knife is hiding around the next corner, waiting to jump him. The man’s delusional thought of being safe will not save him from being robbed. His perception of reality must bow to the truth.

2) A different man is going on a run. He believes the road ahead of him is clear despite a brick wall standing in his way. Will he be able to continue running? His perception will guide his actions – he will keep running – and the error in his perception will lead to a bloody nose and a few bruises.

Now, these examples may seem obvious, maybe even silly…after all, who would just run into a brick wall?

And yet, I ask myself: How often do I avoid the truth because it is just a bit too hard to swallow? How often have I willingly lied to myself because it was easier than searching for the truth?

The answer to both these questions is, of course, a resounding “far too often”.

And when have these lies ever benefitted me?

Never.

For, with each lie I tell myself, and with each time I am deceived by someone, I move one step farther away from reality. And the farther I stray from the truth, the harder the fall will be when my faulty perception is exposed.

The same principle applies to something like exercise: Running a few miles after one week of no exercise will feel quite normal. But after one month, one year, or ten years without exercise? Imagine the shock when you put on your shoes expecting an easy jog, and after a few steps, you are huffing and puffing …you might feel like you just ran into a brick wall :)

So, what does this mean?

It means that an objective truth is real and exists and that we should seek it since it has an inherent value. Pursuing truth will allow us to live better, more purposeful, more joyful, and more loving lives. Lies and deception cannot offer us those things.

The next logical question is: How does one go about finding what is true?

There seem to be at least three central things needed: Honesty is the first, honesty towards oneself and those around. It is all too easy to slip on a few small lies that deceive. Humility is needed next to recognize things we thought were correct observations but are, in fact, not accurate depictions of reality. Humility allows growth. And finally, courage. Courage allows one to step into the unknown, entertain new ideas, and venture beyond one’s previous thinking.

And if we search, really search, with a thirst for understanding and a heart longing for knowledge, I do believe truth can be found.