In a world where people and politics become questionable, a world in which we are manipulated, gulled and seduced into believing everything we are served each day, leaves us wondering, is ignorance bliss or is it better the devil you know?
What’s your choice to be?
The question we all toss around is, What is the truth, pray do tell me, in a bid to remove our own sense of perceived ignorance on a matter or situation around us. The truth we crave might yield many a sleepless night and deeply felt pain… but pursue it we must.
My sequel to Across Time and Space to be announced soon (watch this space) sees the protagonist relentless in her pursuit of the truth. Much is revealed that is not always palatable for the protagonist. Layer after layer of truths unfold, each truth confusing the one before. Yes, the complexity of life in what we want to know and what we reject, creates a truth only we understand. Likewise, literature, fiction, in particular, should reflect this universal dilemma.
Ultimately the truth will prevail, so should characters in our stories wait in an unprepared moment for the truth to emerge ? Should they assume the role of truth sleuth to steel themselves against speculations on the truth/s that will emerge?
Add another complication to the truth: an individual’s denial of a particular truth or complete fabrication of a known truth.
The complexity deepens.
What is fact? What is fiction?
Why does feeling one is being duped make the individual so tormented and restless?
Othello is manipulated by the cunning Iago whose vulnerability creates the need to be accepted and loved, above all by his wife Desdemona. This is his Achilles’ heel. He pursues a lie because he upholds that ‘seeing is believing’ – he needs ocular proof. The slow seduction of deception is powerful in the face of vulnerability – all reason is lost. In this tale of woe lies a dire message – to listen to ‘all sides to a story,’ for therein lies the truth based on individual reasoning drawn from collective perceptions. The truth is subjective – gaining momentum when emotions blind reason or time alters perceptions.
A good story should reflect global attitudes through the representation of a character/s and their actions.
What will the sequel to Across Time and Space reveal?
How do we create characters who accept the truth or truthful representations of others? What is acceptance or the dubiousness and rejection of others based on?
Acceptance could be based on:
– consistent kind deeds or gestures
– owning up to a transgression
– humility of the character/s in the expression of their values
– reactions to the deception of others
– a forgiving nature
– a gentle and giving nature
– one who makes no claims to greatness
– one who will uphold a view even if they are the only one in the room doing so
– body language – looking one directly in the eye when confronted
Rejection could be based on:
– negative attitudes and behaviours towards others – judgemental
– jealousy and envy
– sycophantic displays
– narcissism
– one who makes excuses for not delivering what is expected of them
– pack mentality on ‘versions’ of the truth.
– displaying body language of one who is sly, looking away unable to deliver a straight answer.
So is ‘seeing’ really the only way to believe?
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Timeless Wise words
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes
-Mark Twain
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Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it
-Mark Twain
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Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored
-Aldous Huxley, Complete Essays
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The world is indeed a mixture of truth and make-believe. Discard the make-believe and take the truth
-Sri Ramakrishna
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As long as you are pure of heart, you speak the truth
-Umar ibn al-Khattab
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Hidden truths will be unveiled in the sequel to Across Time and Space.
Have you read my novel, Across Time and Space?
I look forward to hearing your views on why we need to know the truth.
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