Tortoise and the Truth

Ever since Al Gore's popular movie "An Inconvenient Truth"was released, that particular title has been used a lot by many writers regarding a wide range of issues. Now, I suppose, it is my turn. To me, the most inconvenient truth is truth itself. In this age of branding, messaging, marketing campaigns and spin, no matter how fancy, catchy, attention-grabbing, powerful or even persuasive a statement or slogan might be, if it is false or misleading, then it is only a matter of time before that becomes known. Truth eventually, ultimately and inevitably floats to the surface. Almost like a force of nature, truth comes out. Granted, the length of time on any given issue this takes to happen may vary, but eventually truth reveals itself to the delight of some, chagrin of others, and enlightenment of all.

Truth has no loyalties other than to itself. People who tell the truth are mere agents of it rather than leaders or directors of it. Those who abuse or ignore it are enemies. These people never win. No matter what advantage not telling the truth brings them, at some point either they themselves suffer the consequences of their deceit or their reputations are compromised. Either way, they lose. Agents of truth win in the sense their reputations remain intact even if, for example, their strategies are not successful. But at they are honest and, in the long run, it is that which separates those that are respected from those who are not, those who contribute to the greater good from those who do harm.

The best communicators are the ones that seek to contribute. Truth, accuracy and fairness are their primary weapons. If truth were a character in the famous race between the hare and the tortoise, then truth would be the tortoise. It wins in the long run without fanfare, flash or bravado. In that race, the hare was dishonest because he was more interested in showing off than in being true to the race itself. He used the race as a means to promote himself. Consequently, he not only lost the race but his reputation as well. The great tragedy in that tale is that, given the hare's great abilities, he would have been a great teller of truth. Thus, to all current and prospective tellers of truth, be like the tortoise and not worry so much about headlines. Instead, focus on the honesty of your message. That will generate results of the best kind.