Beah Davee Marie Somozo

2014-35733

BS-Biochemistry

May 7, 2015

Roses, Thorns, and Truth

A Philosophical Reflection about Truth
Truth. One word that invokes several feelings and emotions. Just one word yet it holds the weight
of the world. It can transcend the Helen of Troys beauty. At the same time, be even more hideous than the
gorgon, Medusa. It can create or destroy kingdoms and people. It can make or break bonds. Some would
die to gain it. Others would kill to hide it. It can bring life and peace. And sometimes death and war. But
what is TRUTH for me?
Truth is generally defined as a judgment, proposition, or idea that is true or accepted as true and
also sincerity in action, character, and utterance (Truth, n.d.). In Philosophy, the Nature of Truth is still
being debated upon with several theories trying to really define it.
For me, the definition of truth is complicated and multifaceted. The truth may be what has been
proven consistent with reality. For example, the Sun rising in the east and setting in the west. It is a
phenomenon that has happened since the dawn of humankind up to now. Maybe even before and after
humankind, it did and will continue to happen that way because there has been no proof of it being
otherwise. It is the truth. But that is not always the case. There may be cases when reality is not really
what it seems. When our senses fail us and give us the wrong information. Such as the case of
Geocentrism, which was universally believed as the truth until it was disproven. It was consistent with
their reality, considering that they saw everything else seemed to have revolved around the Earth. But
what you perceive is often not always actuality.
The truth may also be what is generally accepted. Such as not walking around in public in just
your birthday suits. Well, not counting nudist beaches and the like. We have this unspoken rule of ethics
and morality that controls our actions. Not killing, stealing, etc. is also under this. It is the truth. But what
about the taboos? It may also be a truth for those who practice them. Such as cannibalism. It is not
generally accepted. In fact, most of us think of it as vile, disgusting, and inhumane. But for the minority
who practice it, it is their way of life. Their Truth. Even those who do it for their own sick pleasures. It

may be their Truth. Despite how revolting it may sound. What is generally accepted may not always be
the truth for all.
There may also be good truths and bad truths. Truths that are constructive and those which are
destructive. Good and constructive in the way that they do no harm to people, things, etc. in general.
Those which bring joy, life, blessings, and peace. And the opposite which can bring trouble, disaster, pain,
death, war, and suffering.
Despite this many facets and definitions of Truth. For me, the closest thing I can define Truth as
is something you really believe in. Provided that it has not been proven false already. Even the
supernatural can be a truth if you believe so. I mean, we all believe in God, dont we? We have no proof
of his being yet we still believe and weave it into our lives as the truth. It is irrational, believing without
proof. Structuring our lives on something we are not able to perceive or even prove his existence. But that
is what faith is. And even the irrational can become rational when you believe.
The rose is a perfect representation of the truth. Beautiful. Transcendental. It can bring one joy
and peace. Yet it also has thorns which can bring pain. Beauty with the ugly. Joy with the pain. But we are
still enraptured with it despite it all. Despite the pain that may come with it. And that is just how the truth
is. A beautifully painful contradiction. One that we all want to know and are willing to travel to the ends
of the world to gain.

REFERENCES
Truth. (n.d.). Retrieved May 6, 2015, from Merriam Webster Online Dictionary: http://www.merriamwebster.com/dictionary/truth