Several years ago I was given a book titled, The 2548 Wittiest Things Anybody Ever Said. When I am stuck for a creative thought or inspiration or both, I grab that book off the shelf and open it up. Last night I did just that. I opened the book to a random page, item number 2069. The quote I stumbled upon was attributed to Josh Billings (1818-1885). He wrote, “There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can’t tell the truth without lying.” Good advice and a warning for those of you who read blogs. Let the reader beware!
For those of you who are curious as to who Josh Billings was, here’s a link, https://g.co/kgs/yNYymr
Josh Billings also wrote, “As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand.”
On this blog site I have a disclaimer that almost all of what I am writing is fiction unless otherwise noted. I choose to write fiction because I shamelessly embellish the kernels of truth that are the non-fictional bases for my fictional tales. As I said, from time to time, I will, however, be writing pure non-fiction because I have experienced that in life truth is indeed stranger than fiction.
As a former teacher, each day I prepared a lesson I shared with my students, a lesson that was something my students could wrestle with or not. I am gratified that so many of my students engaged me in conversation about the daily lessons. Let me say truthfully that the resulting conversation between my students and me took place because of the caliber and intelligence of the students in my class, not necessarily because of the caliber and intelligence of their teacher.
Believing you to be at least the caliber of my former students, I humbly offer you this lesson today. Tell the truth, be willing to accept the consequences of offering truth to folks who may be very uncomfortable because of the words you speak. Speak the truth gently. Never use truth as a weapon, but use truth cautiously to right wrongs and to engage injustice, intolerance, and harmful behaviors. The truth will set you free. Be ready to do something noble with that freedom.
Wonderful post, Jon! After looking at my newly launched web site, a relatively new friend cut off all contact with me with no explanation. Sometimes being yourself and expressing your truth can command a high price. The second Josh Billings quote made me laugh — Thank you for that! What he says is SO true.
Why is the truth so threatening at times? What does it mean when we can’t handle the truth? This made me think……..so that means it was a good blog?
Thank you for your feedback. I am glad the post helped you think. Truth is difficult because it convicts us. Once truth is revealed (or even hinted at) we are changed by the realization that truth does indeed exist and one way or the other we have to respond. That response leads to change and that is perhaps why truth is threatening – it changes us.