Reflection on truth

Not all truths are meant to be told…

Yet there are many facts to prove it: the truth may take longer than a lie to reach the finish line, but it always gets there in the end...

By distorting or concealing the truth, a lie keeps (or even reduces) those who believe it in ignorance, and ends up putting its author (and even those close to him) in a very embarrassing position the day the truth comes out... Because sooner or later, the truth always comes out...

With this in mind, and if we choose - to the best of our knowledge and belief - to be clear and transparent with ourselves and others, may we always bear in mind Socrates' 3 filters when it comes to passing on information that we believe to be true:

Filter 1: Truth

• Are we really sure of the accuracy of what we are about to say?

• Have we checked the information beforehand? And if so, do we have irrefutable proof?

Filter 2: Goodness

• Do we really want to say something ‘good’ to others? Will this information do them any ‘good’?

• Or do we use the pretext of ‘telling the truth’ with the sole aim, not of passing on information, but of hurting others through it?

Filter 3: Usefulness

• How will this information be ‘useful’?

• Will it provide others with all the information they need to make a conscious decision, in full knowledge of the facts?

• Or will this information be used as a sword - against others, or by others?

Filtering our thoughts and intentions conscientiously has the capacity - and this is my deep conviction - to contribute to a more peaceful world...

What about you?

F.