Truth

Is there an absolute truth? In physics there is. In chemistry, biology, mathematics there is. So, is there absolute truth in business? Yes, in small nuggets there must be. There may be no grand unified field theory of business, but there certainly should be small vignettes in which a theory can be established and hold fast.

Why would we search for truth? Is truth better than falsity? Can a business or a person function better when equipped with truth than when equipped with false ideas? Yes. Do we search for truth solely because we have found that those who possess the most truth have a better experience with the world? That experience might be profits and superior products in business. It might be relationships and respect in interpersonal dealings. It might be a progression of thought in intellectual pursuits. Or do we pursue truth because humans have some internal compass that points them in that direction? In any filed or any question there are a large number of false positions, but only one or a few true positions. Do we value these like we value gems? Digging through the earth the miner finds granite, dirt, and quartz. The quartz is valuable because it is unique and rare. But then the miner uncovers an emerald, ruby, or sapphire and his perspective on value changes. Do people value truth because it is so rare? Yes, this sounds better than the rest.

In an intellectual career, truth provides a foundation from which to build more ideas. Imagine trying to build such a foundation on falsities, and doing that on purpose. A scientist knows that something is false, but explores its properties and relationships with the world. Then he uses that as a foundation for another study that is false. How far can this line of questioning lead? Within a few steps or layers, it must die out. Eventually, there are no more false ideas connected to the false ideas you started with. Also, since there are an uncountable number of falsities, this line of questioning is not rare. Everyone can do this equally well. Finally, the understanding of false propositions would not be useful in a practical way. It may be interesting, but it would not have practical application except as a means of failing.

Truth is valuable because it leads to a working understanding of the world. It does equip the knower with an ability that others do not have. Does truth make one wise? I think they are two different things. Truth is an understanding of what is. Wisdom may be an understanding of how to use knowledge – and how NOT to use knowledge.

What will the pursuit of truth do to a person? How will someone who pursues truth be different from someone who does not? Does a person filled with truth act different, achieve different results, have a greater impact, live a more fulfilling life? Without jumping straight to the idealistic answer, I must say, I don’t know. So few are the really interesting and unique people of the world. Everyone seems to be cut from the same cloth and to purse the same mundane existence. We all seem to pursue excellence in mediocrity. We want to be the very best “average man” than we can be. Being unique, different, and superior in any way is just too risky, to uncertain, to lonely, to quiet.

How sad that mediocrity is the pursuit of every man. Perhaps I need to find a new set of peers, friends, and companions. Even in a doctoral program, who is pursuing the degree for some superior purpose? It seems that everyone wants to be at the top of the mediocrity heap. No one wants to be average mediocre. We want to be the best mediocre that we can be.