The Truth

Rely on the truth, says Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. He is a well-known Canadian professor of psychology, a clinical psychologist, a bestselling author, and the host of the educational podcast "The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast".

"If you speak the truth and nothing else, you will have an immense adventure as a result. You won't know what will happen to you, but you have to let go of clinging to the outcome. You must let go," he says. "The truth will reveal the world in the way it is meant to be revealed. As a consequence, you will experience the adventure of your life. The other part of this ethos—which makes perfect sense to me, and I can't see how it could be otherwise—is that whatever manifests as a result of the truth is the best possible reality that could unfold, even if you can't see it at the time".

I agree with Dr. Peterson's complex thoughts. In my adult life, I haven't always been honest, and it didn't end well. When I experienced cruel lies, I decided I would be brutally honest, and now I am. However, I try not to hurt others with my honesty. I say what I think, and although I often face disapproval of my openness, which makes me feel less liked, I consider truth to be a necessary good, and lying to be evil and cowardice.

Why Honesty is Difficult but Essential?

Truth – this word often evokes strong emotions. In our everyday lives, we are often faced with the question of whether it is worth being honest, and if so, how to live in truth, especially in the face of many social norms and expectations. These are the important issues I would like to address, trying to understand why telling the truth can be so difficult. Yet, it is so valuable.

Truth as the Foundation of Relationships

Truth is a key element in every healthy relationship. Without it, it is hard to build trust. When we speak the truth, we open the door to authenticity. However, many people fear that honesty may harm others or expose them to criticism. But is it better to live in an illusion that can ultimately lead to greater disappointment?

Truth builds the foundation, allowing people to open up to one another. When both parties are honest, they can be sure that they can rely on each other. By openly stating their expectations and needs, both sides can better understand each other’s intentions.

Imagine how easy our lives would be, and how much time we would save on relationships that don’t make sense, if everyone were honest with us from the very beginning, instead of pretending to be perfect for the first few months. Honesty in relationships often leads to self-reflection and growth. When we share the truth about our feelings and fears, we become more aware of our strengths and weaknesses. This process contributes to our personal development.

Truth is most important when resolving conflicts in relationships. When difficulties arise in a relationship, honesty about our feelings can resolve the issue. Openly expressing emotions and needs leads to a better understanding of the situation and finding a common solution.

Why Is It So Hard to Tell the Truth?

In today’s world, honesty is often regarded as a virtue that is lacking. Lies and deceit seem more common than ever. In a society where half-truths and convenient lies often prevail, telling the truth becomes a challenge. Many people fear confrontation, negative reactions, or rejection. Because the truth can be painful! We often also ask ourselves, "Is it worth it?" Instead of seeking compromises that may distort reality, it’s important to consider how valuable authenticity is in our lives.

Truth and Emotions

Telling the truth is not just about honesty; it is also about managing emotions. Sometimes the truth can be painful, both for us and for others. It is important to find a way to share it in an appropriate, empathetic manner. The right words, timing, and setting can make our honesty more acceptable.

How to Live in Truth?

Living in truth does not only mean telling the truth in every situation. It also means being honest with ourselves. Understanding our own desires, values, and needs is the first step toward living in alignment with the truth. Regular self-reflection on our thoughts and feelings can help us uncover our inner authenticity.

Truth as a Transformational Force

Understanding and accepting the truth can lead to personal growth. When we begin to confront reality, new possibilities open up before us. Truth has a healing power—not only in relationships but also within our inner world. In ourselves. It is the key to finding and accepting ourselves and experiencing greater joy and satisfaction in life.

Tips for Being More Honest

Although honesty is not always easy, there are ways to develop this trait within ourselves.

• By practicing self-reflection and taking time to think about our values and the importance of honesty in our lives, we help ourselves stay motivated to speak the truth, even when it’s difficult.

• Take responsibility for lies. When you make a mistake or do something wrong, admit it. It might be hard, but it’s important for honesty and building trust.

• Pay attention to your words. Be mindful of the language you use in conversations with others. Avoid exaggerations and false statements, even if they make you sound more impressive or convincing. Remember, hurting others with words reflects on you, not on them.

• Surround yourself with honest people. Spending time with people who value honesty can also strengthen this trait in you.

If you struggle with compulsive lying or find it difficult to be honest, consider consulting with a therapist or counselor.

The psychology of truthfulness is complex and multifaceted. It is connected to the reward system in our brain and plays a crucial role in our relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. While telling the truth can sometimes be a challenge, it is an essential element of living an authentic and fulfilling life. By cultivating honesty in ourselves and in our relationships, we can experience many benefits from this valuable virtue.

Living in truth can be difficult, but it is a journey that leads to authenticity and deeper relationships. I encourage you to reflect on how you can bring more honesty into your life and how we can support others on this path. After all, truth can be our greatest strength.

I am its fan!

In preparing for this post, I used materials from the book

"Adopting the Total Mentality of Truthfulness" by Anubhav Shrivastava.