It is generally agreed that truth is a good thing to pursue.
Truth is used to provide rationale for policy. Arguably, truth is the basis for laws, governance, and general rules for everything from corporate policies to Temple by-laws.
Mark Twain popularized the quote, ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.’
Mark Twain popularized the quote, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.” This rather obviously warns that facts and statistics can be used to push for actions that are not virtuous, but preferred. In more modern times, the concept of “truthiness” has been used to describe the distinction between facts as they are versus facts as we want them to be.
Colbert weighs in
For those not familiar with “truthiness,” Stephen Colbert best captured the definition. He said, “The nation is divided between those who think with their head and those who know with their heart.”
Truthiness was awarded word of the year in 2005. Colbert was speaking in terms of politics, but the concepts need not be restricted to politics. It really extends to our efforts to explain our desired actions.
Perhaps it is best to think carefully about known facts and problems that we think we are trying to resolve.
When we rely on what we feel in our “guts” to make decisions, we do a disservice to ourselves. Perhaps it is best to think carefully about known facts and problems that we think we are trying to resolve. When we can step back from the issues and clearly identify our goals, we might then be better able to address possible resolutions.
Numbers game
I have been giving this a great deal of thought lately. The media reports statistics about a great number of things without providing context (or even the basis for the assertions). There are drastic (possibly far-reaching) decisions being made based upon these reported statistics. As I consider events playing out on the international stage, I cannot help but think about the basis claimed by our government for those decisions.
As I think about events playing out on the international stage, I cannot help but think about the basis claimed by our government for its decisions.
However, I need not restrict myself to thinking about the international stage. I can easily collapse the scope to my own decisions and policies that I am pursuing and promoting. As I plan for myself and for the community I support, I find that I can’t help but think carefully about the basis for my policies and plans. I need to be assured that I am seeing the issues addressed in a manner that is limited to clearly defined problems.
What’s the problem?
Are the solutions to a problem a cure or just a change? Is the problem really a problem?
I hope to take a rational approach to all things, but I have to start with my understanding of what the truth is.
Scott Skillman is president of United Hebrew Congregation.