The Truth

When caught up in traffic, you always find things to amuse yourself. You see people crossing and passing by and you try to invent some stories about them. What a waste of time! I chanced upon a signboard: The “Rotary 4-Way Test.”

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Now things started to play inside my mind. It is my thinking that of the 4-Way test, the truth was placed as number 1. Possibly and conceivably, it was placed at the top because it lays the foundation and basis for all the remaining three. A gentleman of the Rotary cannot or may not proceed to 2 to 4, without first determining the sincerity of no. 1.

The TRUTH

Truth is being in accord with fact or reality. It is fidelity to an original or a standard. It also means authenticity. It is commonly understood that the opposite of truth is falsehood.

Be yourself. As a person, the truth is being who you are. It is being what you really are. From the book “The Rules of Love” by Richard Templar, I quote: “Someone out there is someone who wants exactly the kind of person you are. Complete with all the flaws and failings you come with … they won’t even see them as flaws and failings. They’ll see them as part of your unique charm. And they’ll be right.”

The truth according to New York Times (July 7, 2017, page 2)

The truth is hard. The truth is hidden. The truth must be pursued. The truth is hard to hear. The truth is rarely simple. The truth isn’t so obvious. The truth is necessary. The truth can’t be glossed over. The truth has no agenda. The truth can’t be manufactured. The truth doesn’t take sides. The truth isn’t red or blue. The truth is hard to accept. The truth pulls no punches. The truth is powerful. The truth is under attack. The truth is worth defending. The truth requires taking a stand. The truth is more important now than ever.