“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
The singular connection throughout the narratives of the ancient world was the search for truth. This universal appeal resonates throughout history. Establishing objective truth is difficult as times because it must pass through the lens of personal values. We want the truth, yet want it to be in compliance with our internal belief system.
Truth exacts a high price; that we relinquish our desire for security and opt for an uncertain, risk-filled existence. It is as Dumbledore said, In J.K. Rowling’s, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, “The truth…It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should therefore be treated with great caution.” Our intrepid ancients accepted the challenge. Truth and knowledge were preferable to living within a society bound by superstition and controlled by myths and legends.
“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth,” was Henry David Thoreau’s entreaty in Walden. In the end, love, fame, and glory are all subordinate to truth. It is the genesis of hope, of progress, of moving forward.
“If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.”
C.S. Lewis
Lady Budd 
a very fine ending quote 🙂
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I thought that it would be appropriate to end with one of the Inklings!!! Thank you…
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‘soft soap’? Something pleasant that easily slips away? A curious choice of words.
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I agree – very curious.
C.S. Lewis had a very unusual way of thinking and writing. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful to listen in on an Inking discussion. Can you imagine the dialogue between the best friends – C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This is one of my favourite quotes from the Narnia series. C.S. Lewis had a way of using few words to describe a feeling.
“Always winter but never Christmas.”
― C.S. Lewis, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
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That sums it up nicely!
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🙂
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one needs to be very brave to face the truth, often it is cruel by nature!
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I agree – we do need a great deal of courage. Because truth demands a response.
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I really like the last quote, even though I would prefer accepting the truth rather than to searching it. 🙂
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Ah…what a wonderful thought! Acceptance. Isn’t it interesting that most times, truth is right in plane sight! Thank you so much for adding your wisdom to the dialogue.
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Wonderful quotes and stunning photography, Rebecca. A lovely post!
Greetings to you from Norway
Dina
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How wonderful to hear from Norway! You always make my day, Dina! Today you reminded me of one of my favourite all time quotes from Edvard Munch!!
“Nature is not only all that is visible to the eye.. it also includes the inner pictures of the soul”
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I come back here for several times 🙂 Now I look at the flowers in which I saw the different colors between the bud and the blossom. Just fantastic !
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Thank you for all of your encouragement and support! We may be on opposite sides of the world, but we are walking the same pathway!! 🙂
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That is absolutely true. We are walking the same pathway. 🙂
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And that is what gives me hope… 🙂
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there this song little lies by fleetwood mac (tell me sweet little lies), I love that song when I was little, but then as I grew up it made me realize how sad that was, sometimes to be happy we want lies, truth is just what you said here it gives you hope and freedom too great quotes and what a subject.
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Well said! It is easier to hear what we want to hear, even if it a “sweet little lie.” I remember the Seinfeld episode where George says: “Jerry, just remember. it’s not a lie…if you believe it.”
Thank you for adding to the discussion. I look forward to your visits.
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This award nomination is for you, please accept.
http://kalabalu.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/the-shine-on-award/
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Thank you so much for your kind thoughtfulness! I am so very glad that we connected over the blogger miles – that is the best award of all. We are on a remarkable adventure!
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Thank you 🙂
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🙂
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I just love your post. And, as always, LOVE the quote! Your photo is beautiful! I can’t wait to see flower blooming here. We’re slowly getting there. 🙂
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How wonderful for you to stop by!! Spring is in full bloom in Vancouver! I’m taking as many photos as I can of tulips so that I can look at them in the middle of winter and think…yes, spring will come again!
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I would love to see your photos of the tulips! Very good idea to keep them to look at in the middle of winter! 🙂
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You have just given me an idea for my next series of posts! Thank you my dear friend!!! I look forward to your visits!
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That is so nice to hear! I look forward to your visits too! I can’t wait to see your next series of posts. I’ll try to get on sooner so I don’t miss it.
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🙂 You always fill my day with colour.
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Thank you so much!!! 🙂 You brightened my day!
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And I feel the same way – you presence is pure sunshine! 🙂
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🙂 🙂 🙂
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Yes. the photo is very lovely, so beautiful. I see a faint hint of blue in the background.
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The sun was brilliant that day – the perfect time to head out with my camera. And it was just at when the cherry blossoms were at their best. Thank you so much for your comments!
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