During seminars a common question always comes up about the nature of truth. What is true and how does it differ from one person to another. Is it true, when we look at the color being reflected by an object it is the same for everyone, or simply we believe that the wavelength we are observing is color x? Wars are fought over issues and facts that people believe are true. Governments around the world have different political parties that espouse their own ideas of what is true or not.
Let’s look at a simple story and see how truth can be observed differently between two observers. Liam is an average 25 year old guy who lives in a house by himself and his faithful dog, Rex. He bought Rex when he was only a few weeks old and knows Rex could not live without his care. Liam chose the name Rex because he was the top dog in the litter. Rex is a 2.5 year old German Sheppard; he prefers to go by his own chosen dog name Magnus. Magnus tolerates being called Rex because Liam amuses him. Magnus wonders how Liam ever survived infancy without the guidance of a dog.
Let’s see how truth works in their lives. Liam comes home from a day at the office and lets Rex into the house. Liam thinks Rex has been relaxing all day in the back yard; Liam believes dogs have it easy. On the other hand, Magnus thinking part two of his long day has just begun. He has spent all day protecting the house from burglars, thieves, and nasty rodents like squirrels. He hasn’t been relaxing. No, he has been on guard duty all day!
When Liam gets home he wants to sit down and watch television while it is his turn to relax, without being bothered by Rex. Magnus sees this and thinks, “Oh no, I’ve got to get this lazy guy up and going.” “For gosh sakes, your fat”, maybe you should join a gym.” Magnus starts running around on the carpet and jumping on the furniture in order to get Liam up from the couch. Liam in return starts calling Rex a stupid dog, but eventually he goes for the dog leash. Magnus thinks, “Great, now I have to lead Liam around the neighborhood again.” “After all of these times, you would think he would know how to walk up the street and back.” “Maybe that is why he sits and watches the box because he can’t figure out how to get out of his neighborhood?”
As they begin to walk outside, Magnus sees a group of flowers by the edge of a neighbor’s yard. He thinks, “Maybe I can educate Liam by showing him some flowers.” “Maybe he will see the beauty nature has to offer.” As Magnus walks over to the neighbors flower bed Liam yanks the leash and drags him back. Liam yells, “Rex, stay out of those flowers.” Choking, Magnus thinks this guy is an idiot. He was simply trying to show the guy who can’t walk around the block, without being led, what nature has to offer. For his efforts he gets choked in return. As they continue their walk, Liam sees Rex stop off by a male box. He sniffs around and then urinates on the bottom of the male box base. Liam thinks how simple Rex is for marking his territory. On the other hand, Magnus smelled the scent of three bad dogs, one attractive female lab, two disgusting rats and a bird which has set up her home in the news paper box. Magnus isn’t simply marking his territory. No, he is telling the rodents and bad dogs, “Back off, Magnus was here”, and I will take care of business if necessary..” He is also leaving a message for the lady lab to stop by his house the next time she escapes the fence.
As the walk continues Liam sees a friend of his. They stop in the street and begin to talk. Magnus, knowing this will take a while simply sits down. Liam’s friend complements him on how well he has trained Rex. Magnus simply stares at the two guys. He thinks to himself, “Great now we have two idiots on the loose”. As he becomes more board, he simply lays down. Eventually, they walk back to the house and Magnus is both hungry and thirsty. Liam fills the bowls with Rex’s name on the sides. The first bowl is filled with water, and the second with his usual dry dog food. Liam then cooks himself a nice steak dinner. When Liam sits down to eat his steak he finds Magnus sitting next to him. Liam yells for Rex to stop begging and to eat his dog food. In dog speak, Magnus starts to lecture Liam. “I have long sharp teeth”. “My teeth were made for tearing into meat.” “You, on the other hand, have teeth made for grinding.” “You should be the one eating the hardened corn meal that is passed off as food.” I should be the one eating the steak. This is what I get for protecting you?” All Liam hears is Rex howling and spinning around like dogs often do. Eventually, Liam gives Rex a small piece of steak and they are both happy.
As you can see from this story, there are many different aspects of truth. A truthful a simple version could be about a man taking his dog for a walk. From Liam’s perspective, the true story could be that he takes his over active dog Rex for a walk; Rex urinates on a male box, and begs for food. Magnus, if he could talk, would say the truth is he never gets a break. He plays security guard all day and then has to lead his owner around, because Liam can’t remember how to talk from point A to point B by himself. Then as a reward, he is given hardened corn meal dog food for dinner. Which story is true? They all are. What is true is truly a matter of perspective.
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