Truths
Composed By Muhammad Aqeel Khan
Date 25/9/2025
Introduction
Truth has fascinated philosophers, scientists, and everyday thinkers for centuries. At its core, truth is the alignment between what is said or believed and what actually exists. Yet, in human life, truth takes on multiple forms. Some truths are objective, grounded in facts and evidence, while others are subjective, shaped by personal experience, feelings, and perspective.
Facing truths—especially uncomfortable ones—can be challenging, but doing so is central to personal growth, resilience, and authentic living. This article explores the philosophical and practical meanings of truth, the difference between subjective and objective truths, and how embracing reality—even when painful—can lead to stronger relationships, deeper self-respect, and a more meaningful life.
What Does “Truth” Mean?
Philosophical Truth
In philosophy, truth is often defined as correspondence with reality. Aristotle famously said: “To say of what is that it is not, or of what is not that it is, is false, while to say of what is that it is, is true.” This perspective emphasizes that truth is objective and independent of human opinion.
Practical Truth
In everyday life, truth often refers to accuracy, honesty, and reliability. For example:
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It is true that water boils at 100°C (objective).
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It may also be true that someone feels anxious before public speaking (subjective).
Both matter in human life. Philosophical truth seeks universality, while practical truth guides our decisions, relationships, and self-understanding.
Subjective Truths vs. Objective Truths
Objective Truths: Facts That Stand on Their Own
Objective truths are verifiable facts, not influenced by opinion. Scientific evidence, historical records, and observable reality fall into this category. For example:
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Gravity exists.
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Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
Such truths are foundational for knowledge, progress, and rational decision-making.
Subjective Truths: Perspectives That Shape Identity
Subjective truths are based on personal experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. They may not be universal, but they are deeply real for the individual experiencing them. For example:
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“This song makes me feel happy.”
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“I find meaning in meditation.”
Psychological research shows that subjective truths matter because perception influences behavior. According to cognitive psychology, our interpretation of reality—not just reality itself—shapes emotions and decisions (Beck, 2011).
Why Both Matter
Human life is shaped by the interplay of objective and subjective truths. While facts provide stability, personal truths give life meaning. Ignoring one in favor of the other can lead to imbalance—either a rigid life with no emotional depth or a chaotic life detached from reality.
Why Facing Uncomfortable Truths Is Hard
Truths are not always pleasant. Some reveal limitations, failures, or realities we wish weren’t true. Yet, denial rarely helps.
Psychological Resistance to Truth
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Cognitive Dissonance Theory (Festinger, 1957): When reality conflicts with our beliefs or self-image, we feel discomfort, often leading us to deny or distort the truth.
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Defense Mechanisms: Psychologists like Freud explained how people protect themselves by repressing painful truths.
Examples of Hard Truths
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Relationships sometimes fail despite love.
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Everyone ages and faces mortality.
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Success requires discipline, not shortcuts.
Though uncomfortable, acknowledging these truths can foster maturity, resilience, and wisdom.
The Role of Truth in Personal Growth
Truth and Resilience
Research in positive psychology shows that acceptance of reality, even harsh reality, is linked to resilience. Viktor Frankl, psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, argued that meaning arises not from avoiding suffering, but from facing it with courage (Man’s Search for Meaning, 1946).
Truth and Decision-Making
Facing truth leads to better decisions. For example, acknowledging financial struggles instead of ignoring them allows for budgeting and planning. Studies in behavioral economics show that denial leads to riskier, less rational decisions (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979).
Truth and Self-Respect
Living in alignment with truth builds integrity and authenticity. Research on authenticity (Wood et al., 2008) found that people who act consistently with their values and accept reality report higher life satisfaction.
Real-Life Examples of Truths That Shape Human Life
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Health Truths: Accepting that exercise and diet impact longevity pushes individuals to adopt healthier habits.
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Relationship Truths: Recognizing toxic dynamics, instead of denying them, helps people set boundaries or walk away.
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Career Truths: Facing the truth about skill gaps encourages learning and professional growth.
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Existential Truths: Accepting mortality motivates people to prioritize what truly matters.
Truth and Relationships
Honesty Builds Trust
Truth is the foundation of trust in relationships. A study published in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2011) found that couples who openly communicate—even about difficult topics—report stronger intimacy and satisfaction.
Avoiding Truth Damages Bonds
Avoidance of truth—such as concealing financial problems or emotional struggles—can erode trust. In contrast, vulnerability, even when uncomfortable, strengthens emotional connection.
Scientific Evidence Supporting the Value of Truth
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Mental Health: Studies show that people who engage in self-honesty (acknowledging true feelings) report fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression (Kernis & Goldman, 2006).
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Physical Health: Chronic denial of stress or illness worsens health outcomes, while acknowledging truth allows timely medical care (Taylor, 1991).
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Workplace Success: Transparent communication increases team performance and reduces conflict (Edmondson, 1999, on psychological safety).
Practical Strategies for Embracing Truths
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Practice Self-Reflection
Journaling or mindfulness helps identify personal truths about fears, desires, and values. -
Seek Evidence
Distinguish facts from opinions by consulting reliable sources and questioning assumptions. -
Use Support Systems
Talking with trusted friends, mentors, or therapists can provide perspective and courage to face difficult truths. -
Balance Compassion with Honesty
Truth should not be weaponized. Deliver it with kindness, both toward yourself and others. -
Challenge Denial
Notice when you’re avoiding reality. Ask: “Am I resisting this because it’s false, or because it’s hard?” -
Build Tolerance for Discomfort
Growth often requires sitting with uncomfortable truths instead of rushing to escape them.
Conclusion
Truth—whether philosophical, practical, subjective, or objective—shapes every aspect of human life. Facing uncomfortable truths can be painful, but it is also liberating. By embracing reality, people build resilience, strengthen relationships, improve decision-making, and live authentically.
In a world filled with noise, half-truths, and denial, courageously seeking and accepting truth remains one of the most powerful steps toward a meaningful life.
References
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Beck, A. T. (2011). Cognitive Therapy of Depression. Guilford Press.
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Edmondson, A. (1999). Psychological safety and learning behavior in work teams. Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), 350–383.
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Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
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Frankl, V. E. (1946). Man’s Search for Meaning. Beacon Press.
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Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263–291.
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Kernis, M. H., & Goldman, B. M. (2006). A multicomponent conceptualization of authenticity. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 38, 283–357.
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Taylor, S. E. (1991). Asymmetrical effects of positive and negative events: The mobilization-minimization hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 110(1), 67–85.
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Wood, A. M., et al. (2008). The authentic personality. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385–399.