The Way Fayer

People have all sorts of definitions for truth. These days, chasing that rather ambiguous idea seems both vain and unfashionable. After all, everyone’s truth is their own, right?

Fundamentally, each person has a unique approach to life informed by their own experiences. It’s unlikely that anyone looks at the world quite the same as another. That’s true (pun intended)—but what happens if we begin telling ourselves that truth is what we make it?

For one, unreliable information. And isn’t that the issue right now? That “truth” is simply where the money is? That “truth” is merely what keeps us out of trouble? That “truth” is nothing more than an appeal to authority? For many, “truth” is little more than a means to be “right.”

Speaking practically, our society has to believe in truth—real truth—for it to function properly. It’s the foundation of our legal system. Except our legal system far too often feels like a playground for sophistry, in which whoever tells the best story wins.

It’s not so much a problem with our legal system, however, as it is a problem in perspective: one that infiltrates many modern institutions, the media, and those who support them. Many stories nowadays are impenetrable for those unfamiliar with the topic because right next door, the same story is told … differently. And while differences are often a good thing, the consequences are disastrous when the truth gets mangled in the process.

To conclude this otherwise long introduction, I invite you to join me as I attempt to make the truth more accessible both to you and to me. Telling the truth, from my perspective, is as commonsensical as Aristotle’s definition: “to say of what is that it is, and of what is not that it is not.” Simple enough in theory. Nevertheless, it takes work when grappling with big questions.

One thing is certain: we don’t own the truth. It exists outside of us and brings together those who respect it. When respected, it yields parts of itself to our understanding. Of course, we all perceive reality somewhat differently, but it seems worthwhile to try and orient ourselves toward it so we can see the world even just a little bit more clearly.