True, Right, and Correct

I have engaged in quite a few discussions regarding “truth” with others over my years. I have learned from my observations and in particular that “kind words are seldom true; true words are seldom kind”. True words can be uncomfortable or even painful for the speaker as well as the recipient. But like you stated, being a desirable dinner guest might not be your goal.

I was taught from my experiences within martial arts and its background in Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, the concept of balancing true, right and correct. We often find ourselves trying to balance ourselves between what is true, right or correct for any given situation and particular circumstances for any specific time and place. What was true yesterday may not be today. What is appropriate in one setting, may not be for another. If we tell the truth to a young child about birth, murder, drugs and other complex subjects, before their understanding is appropriate, it may cause damage to their perspectives for years to come. However, if we do what we feel is right and maybe shield them from reality, this too may cause potential issues down the road. Correct, however is the balance we seek to find between true and right. So in other words, I do not think truth is totally absolute and appropriate for all situations.

Wisdom is a recipe of knowledge and experience obtained over time (age) allowing one to differentiate when is the correct timing to react or not to react. When to do, when not to do. Coming up to a stop sign, you really don’t care to stop your vehicle (your true feeling) but you do because it is the right action (the law) to stop. If a blaring fire engine were to suddenly appear in your rear view mirror, you might choose to move through the intersection and to a space clear of the oncoming 370,000 pounds of moving metal and water (correct action for this situation).

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