UNAPOLOGETICALLY AMERICAN

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary of the English Language, “Truth” is defined thusly:
truth
noun
ˈtrüth 
pluraltruths ˈtrüt͟hz  ˈtrüths 
Synonyms of truth

1
a(1): the body of real things, events, and facts : actuality

 (2): the state of being the case : fact

 (3) often Truth : a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality

b(1)

: a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true

 (2)

: truism

c: the body of true statements and propositions

2a

: the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality

b

chiefly British : true sense 2

Her propeller shaft was a trifle out of truth

c

: fidelity to an original or to a standard

3

a

: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

 see also live one’s truth

b

archaic : fidelity, constancy

IS THERE A UNIVERSAL TRUTH?
I believe that there is such a thing, but there are only a miniscule number of those who know the universal truth

c: fidelity to an original or to a standard

3

a: sincerity in action, character, and utterance

b

archaic : fidelity, constancy

IS THERE A UNIVERSAL TRUTH?
I believe there is a strong possibility of a Universal Truth. However, I also believe that those who may “know” such a truth are a miniscule number, and those who are cognizant that they have such knowledge is even fewer. Possessing the Truth of all Truths would be a Unicorn rarity among humankind, because of its importance… perhaps Mahatma Gandhi had such knowledge, but that we shall never know. Known Universal Truths of today, are generally science-based. Accepted ‘’universal truths” include such as:
The Sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
Water is damp to wet.
The Earth rotates around the Sun (once every 365.25 days while also rotating on its axis every 24 hours. This dual motion causes the cycle of day and night as well as the changing seasons).
Snow is cold to the touch

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF “TRUTHS”?
This is also a truth, or at least my personal truth. A “personal truth” is one to which the believer ascribes. I use “ascribes” vs subscribes because the belief in an omniscient “Supreme Being” (and/or a multitude of specialized beings, as do the Catholic and Hindu religions) is worldwide. Humans seem to need a superior entity to explain the unexplainable, and to blame for their personal shortcomings. As often as not (or perhaps more so), any credit for grandiose personal achievements, is celebrated in the realm of that human’s individual brilliance.

Personal Truths
May or may not be shared by a large number of others, it is usually validated within the individual’s circle of close friends. This is due to the human instinctual search for likeminded associates (aka: “birds of a feather”). In general, we humans like to avoid conflict and consternation whenever it is possible, while the morality-lacking other creatures on Earth, simply kill – or are killed – by the others with whom they may disagree.

Group Truth
The arena of scientists, religious groups, gang members, mobs and fraternal/sororal organizations.
Scientists assume the responsibility for scientific knowledge and science-related facts in their particular field of expertise. They do that via majority vote, as they did when the planet Pluto, discovered in 1930, was reduced – after 76 years – to the status of a dwarf planet in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union, to that of a Dwarf Planet. Oddly, this is the result of whimsically redefining the requirements for planet status.
Fraternal and Sororal organizations are well known for keeping ‘secrets’ of each organization from all who are not members. The Skull and Bones (also known as The Order, Order 322 or The Brotherhood of Death) is an American undergraduate senior society at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Many of America’s politicians, moneyed class and celebrities have been/are members of that organization. Fraternal and sororal organizations, often collectively referred to as Greek letter organizations (GLOs) due to their frequent use of Greek alphabet letters in their names, represent a significant aspect of social and cultural life, particularly in North America and parts of Europe. These groups, characterized by their shared rituals, values, and philanthropic activities, offer members a sense of belonging, networking opportunities, and avenues for personal growth.
Skull and Bones stands as one of America’s most exclusive undergraduate secret societies, limiting membership to fifteen Yale seniors each year who are “tapped” for their achievements and potential. The society conducts activities in a windowless building known as “The Tomb,” where members participate in secretive rituals that remain largely unknown to outsiders. What sets Skull and Bones apart is the extraordinary success of its alumni, including multiple U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, and business leaders who have shaped American politics and culture. The organization’s secretive nature, combined with its members’ prominent positions, has fueled numerous conspiracy theories about its influence on American policy and global affairs.

Religious Groups have strong belief systems, including “all that is, is the result of the Supreme Being creating it”. Balancing of that belief, against the “Big Bang Theory” (belief that “it just happened” as an act of nature). Generally, such debates usually end in a zero win tie, as neither one is objectively provable.
For “Christians”, the first major printed Bible is known as the Gutenberg Bible, produced in the 1450s (1,450 years after the passing of its hero) by Johannes Gutenberg. It is an edition of the Latin Vulgate and marked the beginning of the age of printed books in the West. The first complete English translation of the Christian Bible was produced by John Wycliffe and his followers in the 1380s. However, parts of the Bible had been translated into Old English centuries earlier. The believers are also asked to believe that there were never any mistakes made by fallible human beings, due to Supreme Intervention (or words to that effect), upon those efforts. I find that, to be a stretch too far for the objective mind to accept, as it teeters upon the ledge of fantasy. However, given that the estimated number of Christians worldwide is approximately 2.3 billion, making up about 28.8% of the global population, such belief is not odd or unusual. It is valid for more than one person in four! Keep in mind though, that “beliefs” need not be scientifically proven to be earnestly accepted as truth. Supposedly, the Son of God once said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” is a statement made by Jesus in the Gospel of John (14:6), emphasizing that He is the only path to God and eternal life.

Political Truths are extremely difficult to identify, particularly during campaign season. The “truths” espoused by politicians change somewhat depending upon the known tastes of the politician’s audience. Most politicians use weasel words when addressing a physical or broadcast audience. Weasel words are used to create vague or ambiguous statements that can mislead or avoid making definitive claims. They allow speakers or writers to hedge their statements, providing a way to deny specific meanings if challenged. There is very little identifiable truth in political statements.

Mob Truth is designed and financed at a publicly unknown level, because it is generally believed to be a tool of social/political rebellion and is chaos-based. Acts of vandalism, arson and physical violence are to be expected. Such “truths” are financed by the moneyed elite class, for a wide variety of reasons, and executed by believers’- both personal and professional – thereof. The leadership of a mob, generally has a cadre of extremist minions throughout the mob to keep the group motivated, and on edge.

SUMMARY That which is truth to us, is a personal belief, which may not pass scientific investigation… nonetheless, it may remain our belief forever. We humans tend to be extremely reluctant to accept challenges of that which we believe.

YOUR THOUGHTS?