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For centuries we believed the earth was flat. Facts proved otherwise, and that truth was debunked. Truths are molded by perspective and experience. They can also change because perspectives and experiences change. As we grow and experience more of the world, our understanding and perceptive of truth changes. How often have you believed one thing and then changed your belief as different facts emerge? The TV news may state that a threatening fire was deliberately lit. Another news source states that the CFS was doing a back burn to protect property. Yes the fire was deliberately lit, but under controlled conditions by experienced officers for our safety. As facts emerge, our understanding of what is the truth changes. We can even disagree with our own truths. A condition known as cognitive dissonance. Our actions can disagree with our words. When this happens, we can either attempt to justify our actions, we can perform an offsetting act, or ignore, deny or discredit any information that conflicts with our truths. An example of this is when you take your dog for a walk and you forget the doggy poo bags, then your dog poos and you have no way to collect the mess. You rationalise that you can leave it only this once, you promise yourself that you will pick it up next time, everyone does it. No one is looking. Or we can change our actions. Go home, get the bags and clean up the mess. Extra long walk for the dog and more exercise for you. Truths can vary. Perspectives can vary. Our understanding of a situation can vary over time. How do we find out 'Is it the truth'? Wherever possible we base our truths on facts. Something that cannot be logically disputed or rejected. We also look at the broader perspective. Does our view of the truth support the remainder of the 'four way test'? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better relationships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? What may seem to be the truth from our perspective can violate the other parts of our test. By looking at broader perspectives we find broader truths. Is our understanding of the truth Fair? Beneficial? Building good relationships? If not, we go back to looking our our view of truth through a broader lens. Then we change our actions to reflect the broader truth. We are Rotarians. We apply the test to our club activities and our relationships with others.
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