TRUTH TELLER — A PRECARIOUS LIFE

History shows two things typically happen to those who speak great truths. First, they are worshiped. Next, they are murdered.

Yes, telling truth can be difficult and dangerous depending on the magnitude of the truth you tell. This is especially true in a culture that lives on lies, one in which people come to expect to be lied to, so they lie as a matter of routine. The geers of capitalism are greased with bullshit.

So, for those of us who seek to bring truth back into fashion, what are we to do? Simple. Tell the damned truth, whatever the cost. Easily said, not easily done. The cost of truth can be very high, and must be carefully considered.

Indeed, there are times when truth must be withheld due to the pain it can cause an innocent person, or for other good reasons. Churchill said that occasionally truth must be guarded by carefully placed lies.

Example: It is a time of war. A great battle is planned. The time, place, and tactics are lied about so the enemy will not be prepared. A lie serving the overall interest of Truth, toward a meritorious goal.

This is a dangerous slope. Lying quickly tends to become habitual, especially when we rationalize the excuse, such as the great catchall for millions of lies, “national defense”. The rationalization is that the goal is of such great value, it requires lying to protect it. Sometimes true, very often not.