What Exactly Defines Truth?

What does truth truly mean at its core?

Hi dear friend,

Lately, I've been contemplating the concept of truth and the intricate ways in which we perceive, experience, and interpret it. What does truth truly mean at its core?

My husband for example, has made truth his life work and it’s truly his dharma. To dig very deep into certain areas, finding evidence to finally come to the truth. That has also lead us raising our three kids with a big emphasis on telling and living the truth. But there are so many levels to truth, and what it actually means to us.  

If you search what truth is online, you get so many answers. According to Wikipedia: “Truth is the property of being in accord with fact or reality. In everyday language, truth is typically ascribed to things that aim to represent reality or otherwise correspond to it, such as beliefs, propositions, and declarative sentences.”

Okay, that’s all good, and thanks Wikipedia, but still not satisfying. So let’s dig a little deeper.

Truth is all about saying things that match what is real or what is actually happening. When something is true, it means it's right and accurate. It's like telling the truth when you say something that really happened or something that you know to be real. So, truth is about saying things that match reality and are not made up.

People sometimes have different opinions or ideas about what is true, but there are also things that are true for everyone. For example, if you drop a ball, it will fall to the ground. That's something true for everyone, no matter what they believe.

Understanding the truth is like putting puzzle pieces together. We gather information, observe the world around us, and try to make sense of it. Sometimes, we might make mistakes and get things wrong, but hopefully we learn from those mistakes and try again.

But truth can also be fluent and organic. Just like the puzzle, you might find a new piece that changes the picture completely. It's like that with truth too, I think. Sometimes, we find new things or learn more about something, and it changes what we thought was true, how we see things and what we think is true. I believe that has happened a lot, especially the last few years.

When confronted with people who don't believe the same truth as us, it's common to judge. Phew, I can truly say I am guilty there. We might think they're misinformed, missing vital information or lacking in intelligence. But it's important to remember that truth can be subjective. Instead of judging, I try to approach these situations with curiosity, empathy and a pinch of patience. Because by listening to and understanding different perspectives, we can expand our own understanding of truth.

The yogic practice of Satya (truth) focuses on carefully choosing our words, so that they do the least harm and the most good. The spoken word has the capacity to inspire, frighten, and delight, and the world’s great spiritual teachings all acknowledge that what we say has profound power to affect our consciousness. Buddhism, for example, teaches Right Speech as one of its main general rule. Right Speech means speech that is non-harming and has the intention to support all living beings.

So let’s look at ethical and moral considerations. Truth is not limited to empirical facts, but can also extend to ethical and moral principles. Our understanding of what is considered morally right or wrong, can evolve over time as social values and ethical frameworks change.

And what about people and cultures? You know how each person carries their own unique set of ideas, truths and beliefs. But when we explore new cultures and engage with diverse individuals, our own understanding of truth can undergo transformation and our truth might change.

It’s also like seeing things differently from others. I’m sure you have looked at a picture and seen something else than your friend saw? It's because we all have our own way of looking at things. Occasionally, our own experiences and feelings can make us see the truth in another way.

Is history true?  It’s like a big story about what happened in the past. But as we find new information, that can change the story. Historical truths are often subject to revision as new documents are discovered, previously marginalized voices are heard, and a more comprehensive understanding of the past is achieved. History is very tricky to me and what is actually true.

It is important to note that while truth can change, this does not imply that all beliefs are equally valid, or that anything can be true. The pursuit of truth involves critical thinking, observational evidence, and a willingness to revise our beliefs in the light of new information. The concept of truth is a fundamental aspect of human understanding and knowledge. It represents a correspondence between our beliefs and the objective reality that exists independently of our perceptions.

Nevertheless, truth is not a stagnant entity; rather, it is a dynamic and evolving concept that can, and will, transform over time. Welcoming the idea that truth can change as we acquire new knowledge is important. The key lies in continuously posing questions, seeking knowledge, and remaining receptive to fresh views. This approach enables us to continually explore and uncover what is genuine and accurate.

Until next week. Stay curious and grateful,

Kim