The Complexities of Truth and Maintaining a Steady Mind

• “Truth” is a concept that is familiar to us, but the layers of Truth matter.
• We must take responsibility to form the right views that are congruent and consistent with our dreams and aspirations.
• What we let into our hearts and minds, will influence us so we must be aware.

Modern human beings are conditioned to view truth as a mere statement of fact – the opposite of false. This happens from a young age and continues as long as we are in the education system.

We are asked to rate statements in a “true/false” dichotomy and then graded in accordance with our understanding of the facts. This is very objective in its nature. It is as simple as yes or no.

Yet, we learn as we get older that truth is more complex. Over time, the concept of truth comes to mean so much more as it enters into our systems of thought, self-identity, and sense of justice. It becomes subjective and unique to each individual. It becomes a part of us.

“Truth” is also used in spirited exchanges which relate to controversial topics. Truth intertwines with our sense of identity and in the establishment of worldview, as well as religious, and political affiliations. A declaration of what is “true,” can even be weaponized to obfuscate the thoughts of collective groups.

Truth becomes uniquely ours as we grow older.

What is Truth?

Many things can be objectively true or objectively false. According to Oxford dictionary this definition of truth is as follows:

“That which is true or in accordance with fact or reality,”

Mathematics works this way. There is no debate that 2+2=4. There is also no debate that the color blue is blue. However, we could observe that when blue is mixed with red it does become purple. Still, we are all in agreement that neither blue nor red is purple.

Truth is a Spectrum

Truth does have an alternate definition that addresses its subjective components. According to Oxford dictionary this definition is as follows:

“A fact or belief that is accepted as true.”

Now we are entering a new layer of depth. Belief systems, social influence, and collective wisdom all now play a role. The comfort of the objectivity that we were familiar with as kids when we answered “true/false” questions is no longer present. 

We must make up our own minds and it is a critical responsibility. The thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors we choose to accept and demonstrate will impact our destiny.

As adults, we have an intellectual responsibility to form proper and appropriate world views that allow us to respect the interests of others. We owe this to ourselves, but also our friends, families, and children.

When Truth Applies to Subjective Matters

Sometimes I make fun of my friends who provide unnecessary clarifications in their sentences such as saying the word “literally,” as if to indicate that the statement is real, or something. The phrase “very true” has a similar effect. If something is true, how can it be “very true?”

I have always wondered about this type of language that seeps into our vernacular. Interestingly, in my efforts to poke fun at people who use each of these phrases, observed myself saying them a lot more.

Like when I talk in a fake Boston accent to make fun of them, I end up talking in that way naturally and catch myself. Maybe you have felt the same way? Have you ever caught yourself saying things that other people say, just because you have heard them?

If you are a human being who has learned how to communicate in a language, chances are you have. After all, this is how we learn to talk as children.

Given realizations like these, is there any doubt that we as human beings are creatures of habit and thus programmable by ourselves and others?

Beware of the Tricks of Deception

If we are not careful, our minds can be moved by the manipulation and misrepresentation of the concept of truth. When religious and political systems of belief develop within us over time, “truth” becomes something personal to each individual person.

Since “our truth” becomes personal, we may reject or overlook objective facts that do not fit our narratives. We may also exaggerate objective facts that do fit our narratives. Powerful governmental actors and media pundits seize on our tendency to form our worldview on an individual basis.

If we are not careful, they can program us to think a certain way, sometimes even creating enemies out of people who think differently. They often appeal our emotional side by pushing a salacious interpretation of an event, or appeal to our perception of justice.

Beware of Negative Thinking

One of the most dangerous threats to a proper construct of truth is negative thinking. A negative thinker will struggle to see things clearly, in the same way overly optimistic thinkers are often slapped back down to earth by circumstances. The trouble is, the negative thinker never gets off the ground.

If nothing else is done, training oneself to find the positive in situations instead of the negative, which we are naturally inclined to focus on is a great place to start.

Harness Your Truth

It is up to us to see beyond distractions. Seeing things clearly and with sobriety a great way to start. Striking this balance brings peace not just to ourselves, but to others in our orbit.

The peace is not just in the outcomes that we reach along the way, but also in the journey. In order to think positively we should strive see the world in an accurate, level-headed manner.

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Everything starts and ends with mindset. And thankfully this is the most fundamental power that we can influence within ourselves. The impact this can have not just on our lives, but on the lives of others is profound.

Avoid the superpower of programming your own mindset at your own risk. If properly harnessed, you may just add some peace and positivity to a world that is desperately in need.