JS Tip 445: The Importance of Truth, Part Two

We’re continuing our discussion of the importance of truth. After last week’s tip, several folks asked for examples.

Okay . . . we can do that.

Those Who Told the Truth

Martin Luther. In 1521, Luther was ordered to recant his allegations of church abuse. Facing imprisonment and death, he declared, “I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.”
Galileo Galilei. In 1632, the elderly scientist was dragged before the Inquisition and forced to deny his claim that the earth moved around the sun. Rising from his knees, he whispered, “E pur sì muove” (“Nevertheless, the earth does move”).

Their honesty changed thought, science, and history.

Those Who Lied

Bill Clinton lied in press conferences and court depositions about his affair with Monica Lewinski. The scandal and impeachment cost the nation years of work on other needs.
Donald Trump has lied about his crowds, his vote totals, and his claims of being wiretapped. (Time Magazine addressed the lies in a cover story, “Is Truth Dead?”) He has damaged relations with his party, the nation, and the world.

We said this last week: Credibility, once lost, is impossible to regain. Impossible.

Let us know your thoughts. We’ll end the discussion next week.

We love this stuff.

Mark BrooksOctober 13, 2017