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The dilemma of truths & half-truths

Life works in apparent contradictions, but the reality and the desired goals are always crystal clear

There is a Sanskrit statement (one of the several pithy truths handed down through the centuries)
that reads "Ati Sarvtra Varjeyat," which broadly seeks to convey “excess is to be eschewed
everywhere.”
It has it echoes in other languages, for example, in Bengali, where there is a statement "Ato Bhalo
Bhalo Noy." Translated, it means that “So much good is not good.” Other examples can be given.
Put simply, it means the excess of anything is bad. It also applies to being good. There is a
counterpoint in actual life where, for gold to be modelled, 24 carrots (which is the purest form of
gold) would not work. It has to be reduced to 22 carrots, and a 2 carrot alloy has to be added to it,
and then only that gold can be fabricated.
Actual life is a testimony to the fact that 100% consistent truth is the only truth, and truth under all
circumstances breaches its own empathy, and disaster can very often roll. People’s capacity to see
full truth is limited and to accept it, is even less. In the sophisticated language of so-called civil
society, the ability to gain acceptability through the proper packaging of truth is termed "tact." It is,
as indicated, a socially accepted word for camouflaged truth put across in an acceptable manner.
Being tactful is considered a social grace and is advocated by many. The question that raises itself is
the value of total integrity, total truthfulness, total consistency, and total reliability. Impeccable
evidence is evidence to show that, in its totality, very few people go around proclaiming somebody’s
biggest assets as "total truthfulness." Few testimonies say that somebody’s integrity is so impeccable
that he would rather destroy himself than have a whiff of half-truth.
These are difficult propositions and cannot be exhaustively discussed and elaborated in the time or
space available in this text. Perhaps in life, there are few elusive qualities that can be found in a 100
per cent form. In a few cases, a 100% accurate proposition can be raised. Being truthful, as explained,
is one such example. Be that as it may, these ideals, often, remain desiderata.
It is rare to find a parent who teaches the child anything other than the virtue of being truthful. No
parent teaches a child, "Telling a lie is not a problem. It’s acceptable. You can be truthful when you
can." The ideal like telling the truth remains an ideal. It is like a bull’s eye. When shooting or doing
target practice, the bull’s eye remains the desired goal. It is the perfect spot to seek. Even when one
misses it, its approximation remains the ideal.
This raises the obvious question of "judgements" towards the approximation of the ideal. How far can
one go? How far can one push? How hard can one push? When can one stop pushing? Obviously,
there are no simple answers, and "judgement" is the only teacher. Unfortunately, "judgement" cannot
be taught.
Learning through the interpretation of internalised experiences is a way forward. Experience can be
an answer when all else fails. It can be much-personalised phenomena. Life is full of examples of this

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variable. Interestingly one can always get an example or an illustration of what was set out to prove.
So one can even indicate an example to prove anything one wants.
Notwithstanding the very delicate and important concerns raised above, all societies have an
apparent and common conception of “the ideal.” In no part of the world is lying considered a virtue.
In no part of the world is it eulogised? Indeed, social networks are held together by deals and
constructs of an aspired state of existence. The concept of “Ram-rajya” is a good illustration. Further
examples can be given. Societies have been held together by the simple truth like, "Thou shalt not
kill." (from the Ten commandments). This does not mean that you shall allow someone to actually
hurt you. If that were so, absolute self-defence would be impossible.
If hurting anyone was totally ruled out, any self-defence would be impossible. Given no choice, killing
the aggressor in self-defence has been upheld by all societies. Thus it is that life works in apparent
contradictions, but the reality and the desired goals are always etched in the glass. Truthfulness
remains the ideal, just as ‘Thou shalt not kill’ remains a commandment. Exceptions are built in by
experiences. The ebb and flow of life is the act of living, and sound judgements make it worthwhile.

 Indeed (adverb) – Certainly, really, definitely, truly, to be sure [Practice Exercise]

 Red/blue coloring of words in the sentence indicates subject verb relationship; where ‘red’
denotes ‘subject’ and ‘blue’ denotes ‘verb’.

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Vocabulary
1. Dilemma (noun) – Quandary, catch-22, 13. Counterpoint (noun) – Contrast, opposite,
predicament, impasse, problem , antithesis, contradiction

14. Model (verb) – use (a system, procedure,

2. Apparent (adjective) – Obvious, visible, etc.) as an example to follow or imitate.
noticeable, conspicuous, clear

3. Contradiction (noun) – Conflict, opposition, 15. Alloy (noun) – Mixture, blend, combination
inconsistency, discrepancy, clash

4. Crystal clear (phrase) – Transparent, 16. Fabricate (verb) – Manufacture, create,

unambiguous, clear-cut, unmistakable, lucid construct, build

17. Testimony (noun) – Evidence, proof, witness,

5. Pithy (adjective) – Succinct, terse, concise, declaration
compact, brief
18. Consistent (adjective) – Constant, stable,
6. Hand down (phrasal verb) – Pass on, steady, unchanging
transmit, transfer, convey
19. Breach (verb) – Violate, break, infringe,
7. Century (noun) – Hundred years, centennial, contravene
centenary
20. Empathy (noun) – Compassion, sympathy,
8. Broadly (adverb) – Generally, mostly, largely, understanding
predominantly
21. Disaster (noun) – Calamity, catastrophe,
9. Seek (verb) – try, attempt, endeavour, tragedy, crisis

22. Often (adverb) – Frequently, regularly,

10. Convey (verb) – Communicate, express, relay, commonly, routinely
transmit
23. Roll (verb) – Develop, start, emerge
11. Eschew (verb) – Avoid, abstain from, stay
24. Sophisticated (adjective) – Advanced,
away from, shun
complex, intricate, refined
12. Echo (verb) – Mirror, reflect, resonate, repeat

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25. So-called (adjective) – Supposed, self-styled, 36. Truthfulness (noun) – Honesty, veracity,
would-be sincerity, candor, frankness

26. Civil society (noun) – Citizenry, community, 37. Consistency (noun) – Uniformity, regularity,
populace, public, society stability, steadiness, constancy /

27. Acceptability (noun) – Palatability, 38. Reliability (noun) – Dependability,

agreeableness, acceptableness, tolerance, trustworthiness, integrity, honesty,
approval faithfulness

28. Term (verb) – Name, denominate, designate, 39. Impeccable (adjective) – Flawless, faultless,
call, label perfect, excellent, immaculate /

29. Tact (noun) – Diplomacy, discretion, finesse,

delicacy, sensitivity
30. Camouflaged (adjective) – Disguised, secret,
masked, veiled, hidden
31. Put across (phrasal verb) – Convey,
communicate, get across, express, present
40. Totality (noun) – Entirety, completeness,
wholeness, fullness, gross
41. Proclaim (verb) – Announce, declare, state,
assert, pronounce
42. Asset (noun) – Resource, advantage, boon,
benefit, treasure

32. Tactful (adjective) – Diplomatic, discrete,

43. Whiff (noun) – Trace, hint, scent, smell,
thoughtful, considerate, sensitive
aroma

33. Grace (noun) – Dignity, elegance, poise,

44. Proposition (noun) – Suggestion, proposal,
refinement, charm
idea, plan

34. Advocate (verb) – Support, endorse,

45. Exhaustively (adverb) – Thoroughly,
promote, champion, recommend completely, fully, in detail, comprehensively

35. Integrity (noun) – Honesty, uprightness, 46. Elaborate (verb) – Explain, expound, clarify,
probity, rectitude, honorableness / detail, unfold

47. Perhaps (adverb) – Maybe, possibly,

potentially, conceivably, it may be

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48. Elusive (adjective) – Difficult to find, evasive,
slippery, hard to pin down
49. Ideal (noun) – Standard, model, exemplar,
paragon, epitome
50. Desiderata (noun) – Essentials, prerequisites,
requirements, needs, necessities; something
that is needed or wanted.
51. Virtue (noun) – Goodness, morality, integrity,
honesty, righteousness
52. Bull’s eye (noun) – Perfect hit, target, goal,
aim
53. Seek (verb) – Search for, try to find, look for,
pursue
54. Obvious (adjective) – Clear, evident,
apparent, unmistakable
55. A way forward (phrase) an action, plan etc
that seems a good idea because it is likely to
lead to success
56. Phenomena (noun) – Events, occurrences,
happenings, incidents
57. Variable (noun) – an element, feature, or
factor that is liable to vary or change.
58. Illustration (noun) – Example, demonstration,
representation, exhibit
59. Set out (phrasal verb) – Begin, start, embark
on, undertake
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60. Notwithstanding (preposition) – Despite, in
spite of, although, even though
61. Delicate (adjective) – Sensitive, fragile, fine,
refined, gentle
62. Apparent (adjective) – Obvious, clear,
evident, visible
63. Conception (noun) – Idea, notion, thought,
belief, understanding
64. Lie (verb) – Fib, falsify, misrepresent,
prevaricate, fabricate
65. Eulogise (verb) – Praise, extol, laud,
commend, acclaim
66. Construct (verb) – Build, create, assemble,
form, erect
67. Aspired (adjective) – Ambitious, desirous,
yearning, longing, eager
68. State (noun) – Condition, status, situation,
position, circumstances
69. Existence (noun) – Presence, being, reality,
survival, subsistence
70. Commandment (noun) – Directive, decree,
edict, injunction, mandate /
71. Absolute (adjective) – Total, utter, complete,
out-and-out, downright
72. Rule out (phrasal verb) – Eliminate, reject,
exclude, discount, dismiss
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73. Given (preposition) – Considering, taking into 77. Thou shalt not kill (noun) – He meant no one
account, bearing in mind, in view of could take the life of another

74. Aggressor (noun) – Attacker, assailant,

invader, assaulter 78. The ebb and flow (noun) – Fluctuation,
change, variation, rise and fall -
75. Uphold (verb) – Support, maintain, defend,
back up, endorse 79. Sound (adjective) – good, firm, sensible,
reliable
76. Etch (verb) – Engrave, inscribe, imprint, chisel
, 80. Worthwhile (adjective) – Valuable, worth it,
useful, beneficial, rewarding

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Summary of the Editorial

1. The editorial discusses the concept of "Ati Sarvtra Varjeyat," a Sanskrit phrase meaning "excess
of anything is bad" which holds relevance in many other languages and cultures.
2. It relates the concept to life, stating that pure truth or perfection might not be feasible or
acceptable in every circumstance.
3. A metaphor about gold illustrates this, showing that even the purest form of gold (24 carrots)
requires dilution (to 22 carrots) for practical purposes.
4. The editorial asserts that complete truth can be overwhelming and often unwelcome, which is
why it is often 'packaged' or camouflaged as "tact" in society.
5. The piece debates the value of total integrity, truthfulness, consistency, and reliability, noting
that absolute truthfulness is rarely appreciated in society.
6. The author observes that some ideals, such as full integrity, may be elusive and rarely found in
a 100% form.
7. It points out that although truthfulness is widely taught as a virtue, few people embrace it
fully.
8. The article discusses the concept of approximating the ideal, the metaphorical 'bull's eye',
highlighting the need for judgment and experience in making such decisions.
9. The writer states that 'judgement' cannot be taught but is gained from experiences, suggesting
the value of learning through interpretation of personal experiences.
10. The editorial asserts that, despite the complexities discussed, societies universally uphold
certain ideals, such as honesty and non-violence.
11. It provides an example of the concept of “Ram-rajya” to illustrate society's aspiration for a
state of righteousness.
12. The editorial emphasizes that though principles like "Thou shalt not kill" are universally upheld,
exceptions are acknowledged for self-defense, demonstrating the presence of apparent
contradictions in societal ideals.
13. It argues that these contradictions are necessary adjustments or exceptions to societal ideals,
required for the practicality of life.
14. The author concludes that life operates in apparent contradictions, but the reality and desired
goals remain clear.
15. The central theme of the article is the exploration of societal ideals versus real-world
practicalities, emphasizing that truth and non-violence are universally desired, but exceptions
are accepted based on personal experiences and judgment.

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