TRUTHFULNESS

TRUTHFULNESS

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Truth is the foundation for a fair and just society. In court, we require witnesses to swear to tell ‘the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth’, because only that way can

justice be delivered.

Most religions also have something to say on the matter, and it is clear that they place a high value on the principle of truthfulness.

But is truthfulness an outdated principle in modern times, or does it still have value?

"Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth."

—  Buddha

"I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life!" 

— Jesus Christ

Two Types of Truth. There are two aspects of truthfulness: 

⁃ Being true to yourself, and 

⁃ Being true to others.

The two are not quite the same thing, although they are closely linked. Shakespeare, for example, suggested that

someone who was true to themselves was unlikely to be false to others.

Truthful people will:

➛ Understand themselves, and know their own strengths and weaknesses. 

➛ They will not delude themselves about their successes or failures;

➛ Present themselves in a way that shows who they really are. Their reputation will be founded on what they are and, whether in public or private, they will be the same; 

➛ Meet any commitments or promises that they make; 

➛ Be accurate in their descriptions of themselves or others, so that they do

not mislead other

Justice is the life source

By Umar Jamaal