Victims Of Lies
American history is for the birds. I remember in history class how I got very little information about Europe and anything that happened outside of America.
I felt cheated that I was only getting a very narrow view of the world and thus I couldn't speak as eloquently about history as my European counterparts who seemed to know more about America than an American.
Even today, I have to watch or read the BBC to find out what’s going on in America.
It was only after I started researching that I found out about events outside of America. For years I thought I knew how certain events played out, until I dug a little deeper and found out what really happened.
As I began to read various accounts of history, I found that they contradicted each other and left inaccuracies and speculation in my head. What I thought was the real truth was only more elaborate fiction. Huh?
Do we have to be historical scholars to find the truth? Do any of us know what really happened in history? We know of certain events now because we see pictures of it happening, but how do we know those pictures have not be slanted or doctored to fit someone else's agenda. Conspiracy theorists unite.
I am not saying that we should all be conspiratorial, but we should take what we deem as history with a grain of salt. Perhaps everything is not false but I have found a great deal to be true-ish if not completely false, depending on the degree of expertise.
I am beginning to think that history should come with a disclaimer, at least I know that what I see or hear may or may not be accurate. It is up to me to find the truth.
We have all heard the stories that truth hurts, it's hard to find and that it will set us free, and for the most part it is true. What I find unfortunate is how people seem satisfied with what is presented to them without questioning the inaccuracies.
According to Mark Twain, “A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. A man is never more truthful than when he acknowledges himself a liar."
Mr. Twain hit the nail on the head, but how can we sift through lies if we are so used to hearing them and so used to living them? How do we know what to accept and reject?
I would like to say that we all know the truth, but that would be a lie. I wish I had a magic formula to ascertain what is true, but I know that the only person I can rely on to find my truth is me.
The truth IS hard to find and many of us never find it, however I think it begins by being true to ourselves. If we are true to ourselves then we can see the degree of veracity in others.
We can listen to how they speak, what they say, how they act, what they do, how they live it. I can see, hear and sense when a person is lying. Usually it is said that when a person is lying, they can't look you in the eye, but that is not always the case.
If the person really believes the lie themselves, they can look you in the eye and have a story so convincing that you believe it. If you question them about what they told you a little while later, they usually contradict themselves while swearing up and down that what they told you IS true.
History has taught me something about myself - that I can’t rely on someone to give me the answers. I have to find them myself.
The mysteries of life may confuse us, but the mystery of truth unfolds inside of us. All we have to do is be willing to find our own truth - whatever it is and let history be history.
What do you think? Do you think that we are more inclined to believe lies or are lies becoming so convincing that we think they are true. Let me know your thoughts?
28 comments:
Constantly searching for the truth brings it out in ourselves.
My cop was a superb and ongoing liar - he could look at you with such a genuine expression on his face, such earnestness in his eyes, such sincerity in his voice - and it was all bullshit of unbelievable magnitude that he had no compunction about whatsoever, evn when he got caught.
Actions speak louder than words. Instinct need to be followed - if something creates anxiety, chances are your b.s. meter is noticing something is wrong.
And as far as history goes, without actually beign there, who knows HOW it really went down ? every person in the room might even have had a different impression...
Ah, Alexys, as always, you make me think. Bless you, dear one. You do such immnese good here on this blog :)
The overwhelming majority of the followers of Moses called Christ a liar.
The overwhelming majority of Christians called Mohammad a liar.
The overwhelming majority of parents, consciously or not, teach their children to lie to themselves.
The overwhelming majority of humans are cynical, lost children...
~ Alex from Our Evolution
Hi Annie,
I am always amazed at the brazenness of the perpetual liars. It's become such a part of their DNA that they don't see any wrong in it. I had a friend who dated a cop and lying seems like it's a part of their training. (not all, but some.)
Thank you for your kind words. They have touched my heart.
Many Blessings!
Alex,
I must say that your brilliance is speaking loud and clear. You have overwhelmed me with your truth today my friend. I find it refreshingly stimulating.
The overwhelming majority of my readers will find it as brilliant as I do.
Thank you.
I'm blushingly-heart-pitter-patteringly overwhelmed with your illuminatingly encouraging comment...
~ Alex from Our Evolution
Alex,
I have to call them as I see them.
To some extent I think people have a desire to idealize, and to deify. They want to believe that American history is perfect and that America is simply the best nation. I think that no matter what nation you consider, their own historical viewpoint will differ markedly from the historical viewpoint of another nation. One person's freedom fighter is another person's terrorist, and the line between rebellion and the struggle for freedom depends on point of view.
People usually want to see things in a way that pleases them. That's why writers can be successful. We can write novels which please the audience simply because they are lies, lies more enjoyable than the truth.
But its also true that lies are becoming more convincing. The internet, television, and other media can now spread lies faster than in any time previously in history.
I think, though, that the main reason why so many people believe lies is because they want to. Its more comfortable to believe in, and sometimes more satisfying.
NathanKP - Inkweaver Review
Having a strong sense of conviction combined with a strong sense of intuition will equip us not to be more inclined to believe lies but as you have said lies are becoming so convincing that we almost think they are true.
As in the case of history, yes I think it can be falsified and tampered. We all have our own perspectives and I remember sometimes history facts can even be corrected even if it was a historical fact a century ago.
And i reiterate and agree with your conclusion: The mysteries of life may confuse us, but the mystery of truth unfolds inside of us. All we have to do is be willing to find our own truth - whatever it is and let history be history.
Ooohhh, such a lovely puppy!!! I could just hug it!!
Hi Alexys,
You have brought us an extremely interesting theme (and the "coincidence" is: I have been thinking about the concept of truth a lot, as well).
It is funny that you are saying that Europeans seem to know more about America than an American: whenever my mom goes to the US she always comes back surprised at the Americans "They always look quite surprised at the fact that I know their history!" she tells me...
I must say that Europe has this thing of knowing everything about everybody: and they make us learn all these things since we are kids. Is it good? I think it is...for it helps us to broaden our horizons and be a little bit more tolerant...
I don't think that any of us really knows what went down in the past. We may study history all we want, do all the research in the world, but if people didn't write the whole story; if the one who wrote about the events wrote them according to his perspective...then it is impossible to know the whole thing.
We only have access to glimpses of history, and then we have to draw our own conclusions (I say, it's a very good fashion of exercising the process of reasoning; wouldn't you think so?).
I agree with you when you say that the truth hurts: what would we do, and think, if we really knew about how most of the things were discovered and about the experiments performed on people and animals (to achieve the results on our precious shampoos and conditioners, medicine, plastic surgery and etc, etc...)? We would probably throw up and get sick; so...it is better not to know...
"How do we know what to accept and reject?" - most of the times we don't know and we can't know...the wheel keeps on turning...
I agree with you once more: there are professional liars! And they believe so much in their lies that when talking to you there is no way to differentiate the lie from the truth. They look straight in your eyes and lie with all their teeth...
A successful lie starts in one's mind...as everything else, right?
"Do you think that we are more inclined to believe lies or are lies becoming so convincing that we think they are true?" - I think that we capture a lie most of the times (our intuition always gives the red alert when before a lie); however we often choose to ignore the sign and take the counterfeited facts *nodding*. But I must add that lies are becoming more and more sophisticated - take the news and politics for instance. Most of us are too focused on our lives to care about who is lying or not and, why they are lying; and so...the wheel keeps on turning.
Fantastic post, darling *clap clap clap*!
Cheers
Nathan,
When I was researching the Iraq war, I found so many discrepancies between what I was seeing on television, reading in newspapers, magazines and on the internet. No one corroborated anyone and I had to just decide for myself the degree of truth. Truth is the first casualty in war. For instance, the American news never shows coffins of soldiers returning to be buried. We hear of soldiers dying everyday, but it is almost said in passing. We know they get killed, but the media doesn't want to show us the results of war. By the same token, commercials for the military are glamorized, filmed like an action movie and are made to appeal to the "Top Gun," in the viewer.
In a sense we do idealize, defy and ignore what's before our eyes by looking the other way. We praise the almighty lie, suspend our disbelief and pray that someday we find the truth (or our version of it.) The truth is that we don't want truth. It IS more comfortable to be in the dark than to see what is going on.
Without question, I thoroughly enjoyed your provocative dissertation and invite more of it in the future.
Thanks.
Amber,
I wish we all had an internal lie detector that would let us know when someone is lying. White lies are acceptable because they usually don't hurt people as much as what I call, "black lies," (lies that destroy.)
I am shocked at all the historical in accuracies and that's just what I am aware of. Imagine what we are not aware of?
Very well written!
Hi Max,
Oscar (the puppy) wants to invite you to the beach to make sand castles with him. He wants to hug you too. He loves you. He'll bring a picnic basket with the nectar of the gods, an assortment of nuts and cheeses from all over the world. He is very continental. He will also bring a brush so you can brush each other's hair (very considerate too.)
"I have been thinking about the concept of truth a lot, as well)"
We're on the same wavelength.
It's true, I don't feel as confident speaking to a European unless I have done my homework. It's just that our curriculum is more "relaxed" than the European one.
I agree with the European way of thinking. It does broaden one's intellectual horizons and gives one a leg up on current events and the intricacies behind them. Europeans learn early about other cultures, whereas we in America learn about Americans, which is culpable for ignorance.
"I don't think that any of us really knows what went down in the past. We may study history all we want, do all the research in the world, but if people didn't write the whole story; if the one who wrote about the events wrote them according to his perspective...then it is impossible to know the whole thing."
I know. I think history should be labeled "Opinion." I would respect it far more if I saw something labeled Opinion than History because I would be more open to listen to another opinion as opposed to this is what happened or I think this is what happened.
"I say, it's a very good fashion of exercising the process of reasoning; wouldn't you think so?"
Definitely. Reasoning. Examining the facts. Thesis - Antithesis - Synthesis.
"What would we do, and think, if we really knew about how most of the things were discovered and about the experiments performed on people and animals (to achieve the results on our precious shampoos and conditioners, medicine, plastic surgery and etc, etc...)? We would probably throw up and get sick; so...it is better not to know..."
I so agree with you. I am not a vegetarian, however if I saw an animal being slaughter, I wouldn't eat it. So in that case it IS better not to know.
"...the wheel keeps on turning..."
Proud Mary keep on burning, And were rolling, rolling, rolling on the river...
"...professional liars!"
Then they become politicians! LOL.
"A successful lie starts in one's mind...as everything else, right?"
Yes. It starts there and ends up leaving quite a path of destruction, like a hurricane, then the professionals are off starting more destruction elsewhere.
"I think that we capture a lie most of the times (our intuition always gives the red alert when before a lie); however we often choose to ignore the sign and take the counterfeited facts."
How often do we see signals and go right through the red light? It's amazing what subterfuge we are willing to accept and how much we are willing to do ourselves.
"But I must add that lies are becoming more and more sophisticated - take the news and politics for instance. Most of us are too focused on our lives to care about who is lying or not and, why they are lying; and so...the wheel keeps on turning."
I know. I like watching interviews where the interviewee is asked tough questions and sometimes they start twitching because they don't want to answer truthfully. It's like watching an insect in a spider's web, the harder they try to get out of the web, the more they go towards the spider. Fascinating.
Thanks your for your valuable thoughts today. The applause is for you my dear.
Applauding Cheers!
A thought-provoking post! I think someone said that 'history is written by the victors' and I think it's equally true that the news media tend to reflect the culture from which they come.
I heard something interesting about the Al Jazeera news channel the other day. They show pictures of western hostages being beheaded don't they?
Or do they? Not according to the head of the channel, who was interviewed by the BBC a few days ago. Apparently they have never shown such things.
Yet here in Britain, the overwhelming belief has been that such pictures have been shown on Al Jazeera. Not one person in a hundred would have disputed it. And yet apparently it's not true. Surely the guy wouldn't lie about that? Why would he? People could check...
And yet why would the western news media tell such a lie about Al Jazeera?
I can think of quite a few reasons...
Of course, it's hard to find out the truth of the matter either way - not without subscribing to Al Jazeera. All we can do is keep an open mind - and be very cautious about what we hear in the media.
Lindsey,
Thank you for taking the time to comment. Please come again. :D
Hi Simon,
I believe it is written by the victors, much of which is probably hyperbole. I just don't think the media in America is well equipped to bring us an unbiased news story. When I was in England, I saw a huge difference in the way the news was presented. It was very matter of fact and devoid of the personal asides that are replete over here.
Now that you mention it, there has always been something suspect about those Al Jazeera videos. I haven't had any reason to disbelieve them - until now.
How could it not be true? That is frightening that something I have seen more than once apparently didn't happen. Apparently I am not writing this now. It is a personalized auto responder. LOL. I was never here.
All we can do is keep an open mind, ears, eyes and heart.
Thanks for sharing your views. Always appreciated.
Hi Alexys,
"Oscar (the puppy) wants to invite you to the beach to make sand castles with him. He wants to hug you too. He loves you. He'll bring a picnic basket with the nectar of the gods, an assortment of nuts and cheeses from all over the world. He is very continental. He will also bring a brush so you can brush each other's hair (very considerate too.)" - LOL LOL girl, you kill me! Oscar is sweet though :)! Now, "assortment of nuts and cheeses from all over the world" this sounds more like you! LOL Oscar brushing my hair? LOL I love Oscar, but is he a certified hair stylist? If not: NO WAY!! Sorry sweetie...lol
"We're on the same wavelength." - indeed, we are...
"It's just that our curriculum is more "relaxed" than the European one." - true, Europeans have an extensive curriculum...it's in their nature.
"I agree with the European way of thinking. It does broaden one's intellectual horizons and gives one a leg up on current events and the intricacies behind them." - indeed; and European kids have to write since early age essays on several cultural issues; it's interesting. For example, here in Portugal, kids have to learn English since 1st grade, and other languages from the 3rd grade...how interesting is that?
"Europeans learn early about other cultures, whereas we in America learn about Americans, which is culpable for ignorance." - I agree with you. I remember that we learned the Greek and Roman history before learning the Portuguese one, why? So we could understand where we had come from...to understand our own culture.
"I know. I think history should be labeled "Opinion." I would respect it far more if I saw something labeled Opinion than History because I would be more open to listen to another opinion as opposed to this is what happened or I think this is what happened." - I hear you! "Opinion" is a good label, because we never know the whole facts; and hell...we don't even know if the History being taught is exactly as it is written...
"Definitely. Reasoning. Examining the facts. Thesis - Antithesis - Synthesis." - YES!
"I so agree with you. I am not a vegetarian, however if I saw an animal being slaughter, I wouldn't eat it. So in that case it IS better not to know." - lol I am not a vegetarian either; but when I saw how the Belgians treated the poor cows before being slaughtered I was sick to my stomach! The Belgians were fined, of course; but still...the truth had come out and it wasn't beautiful! *nodding*...
"Proud Mary keep on burning, And were rolling, rolling, rolling on the river..." - rolling on the river *Max performing Tina's choreography*! Did you see Tina Turner and Beyoncé performing this song together?
"Then they become politicians! LOL." - LOL LOL LOL LOL you know?
"Yes. It starts there and ends up leaving quite a path of destruction, like a hurricane, then the professionals are off starting more destruction elsewhere." - oh yeah...that is exactly what they do!! Now imagine if it didn't start in their minds, if it stemmed from their emotions: it would be "the apocalipse now"!
"How often do we see signals and go right through the red light? It's amazing what subterfuge we are willing to accept and how much we are willing to do ourselves." - way too often, girl! I couldn't agree more with you...
"I know. I like watching interviews where the interviewee is asked tough questions and sometimes they start twitching because they don't want to answer truthfully. It's like watching an insect in a spider's web, the harder they try to get out of the web, the more they go towards the spider. Fascinating." - fascinating analogy! That is exactly IT!! The more they try to avoid answering the question, the more they show that they are lying or concealing something *nodding*....
"Thanks your for your valuable thoughts today. The applause is for you my dear." - you, Lady A, are most welcome *bowing*! Why, thank you; thank you so much :D! Get on the stage with me and let's receive the applause together, then :D!
Sharing the applause Cheers
Max,
"I love Oscar, but is he a certified hair stylist? If not: NO WAY!! Sorry sweetie...lol"
Oscar recently graduated from the Vidal Sassoon Hair Academy. He is a actually a hair wizard. He understands your hesitation, but you are in good hands with him.
"European kids have to write since early age essays on several cultural issues; it's interesting. For example, here in Portugal, kids have to learn English since 1st grade, and other languages from the 3rd grade...how interesting is that?"
Very interesting. I wish I could have participated in European curriculum.
"I remember that we learned the Greek and Roman history before learning the Portuguese one, why? So we could understand where we had come from...to understand our own culture."
Ah yes, the Greeks and the Romans. Fascinating themselves.
"Opinion" is a good label, because we never know the whole facts; and hell...we don't even know if the History being taught is exactly as it is written..."
EXACTLY!
"I am not a vegetarian either; but when I saw how the Belgians treated the poor cows before being slaughtered I was sick to my stomach! The Belgians were fined, of course; but still...the truth had come out and it wasn't beautiful!"
I am afraid to ask what they did. I do like Belgians waffles though.
"Max performing Tina's choreography"
You go girl. Careful now.
"Did you see Tina Turner and Beyoncé performing this song together?"
I didn't see it.
"That is exactly what they do!! Now imagine if it didn't start in their minds, if it stemmed from their emotions: it would be "the apocalipse now"!"
For sure. That is an awesome film. Very well written and acted.
"Get on the stage with me and let's receive the applause together, then :D!"
Thank you for sharing the spotlight.
Sharing the applause Cheers!
So true, when I read Howard Zinn's, A People's History of the United States it was an eye-opener for me. Historians tell us their side which is their truth just as President Bush believes that the US is freeing Iraq.
Miruh,
Well said. I have to find that book now. Thanks for the tip.
Alexys,
"Oscar recently graduated from the Vidal Sassoon Hair Academy. He is a actually a hair wizard. He understands your hesitation, but you are in good hands with him." - LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL aaaaahhhhh, you kill me LOL LOL! Funny you mention Vidal Sassoon: that man has this paranoia with cutting people's hair. I remember an interview where he was saying that if a client tells him that she doesn't want to cut her hair, he just shows him the door...I was like "say what?" *nodding*....
"Very interesting. I wish I could have participated in European curriculum." - you would have liked it, I am sure....
"Ah yes, the Greeks and the Romans. Fascinating themselves." - so true! I used to be extremely obsessed by them...but then I changed History teachers and it all went sour...
"I am afraid to ask what they did. I do like Belgians waffles though." - LOL Belgian waffles and chocolates are good!! Let me just give you a glimpse of what they did: when taking the cows out of the truck, they used to beat them until they bled; then the poor things would get to the slaughter house all traumatised and unproperly electrified (meaning that when they got to the stage of being skinned, they were not entirely dead)...in summa: the meat we were eating was of stressed and tortured animals....so sad *nodding*....
"You go girl. Careful now." - you are right: I better stop before I hurt somebody!
"I didn't see it." - they were great!
"For sure. That is an awesome film. Very well written and acted." - great movie indeed, high quality; although a bit disturbing....
"Thank you for sharing the spotlight." - you are welcome, darling *bowing*!
Lady A Cheers
My cousin just spent 3 weeks in Europe. She sent snippets of her trip while there and one of the things she wrote about was how Europeans know more about American history than most Americans. In fact, that she felt some of the conversations went beyond her own knowledge.
Our history books are slanted. I wholeheartedly agree, but it is difficult to find the information, if not slanted one way, then slanted the other. It boils down to politics in some form or fashion. Isn't that a pity? History and Politics.
As for the perpetual liar ~ it's a mask a person can wear for only so long before someone sees the cracks. Those are the dangerous ones.
I used to trust the history books, as a child. As an adult, I'm cynical to one person's "truth" and most definitely raise an eyebrow to the media.
Excellent post!
Max,
"Vidal Sassoon: that man has this paranoia with cutting people's hair. I remember an interview where he was saying that if a client tells him that she doesn't want to cut her hair, he just shows him the door."
I love his name, but not his ego.
"[Greeks/Romans] I used to be extremely obsessed by them...but then I changed History teachers and it all went sour..."
Don't you hate when that happens, but I have found that if you want to find out something, find it yourself. Can't rely on others, and very few teachers have the passion to teach.
Those poor cows. *sigh*
"I better stop before I hurt somebody!"
I have the paramedics standing by.
Max Is Awesome Cheers!
Alexys,
"I love his name, but not his ego." - I'm with you *high 5*!
"Don't you hate when that happens, but I have found that if you want to find out something, find it yourself. Can't rely on others, and very few teachers have the passion to teach." - I do detest it! You are right: if one wants something really bad, it has to get/find it by itself *shrugging*. Now you said all: "very few teachers have the passion to teach"!
"Those poor cows. *sigh*" - indeed...
"I have the paramedics standing by." - LOL LOL LOL that is a good move!
Lady A is Sweet Cheers
Aleta,
That's what I mean. Your cousin experienced the same thing I did. We are so in the dark in America. I am shocked and dismayed everyday at the lack of information we actually get. It's only after looking for specific news that I find it. For instance the airplane crash in Madrid a couple of weeks ago was not mentioned on news in Los Angeles, I found out about it on the internet. However, we are always well informed of which celebrities go in and out of rehab and who they are dating.
I agree that politics plays a major hand in anything we see and it IS a pity.
Thank you for your participation in this post. Hope to see you again soon.
Max,
Thanks. :D
I think the more salacious and heinious the lie, the more likely we are to believe it for most people assume, incorrectly, that think most people would not go THAT far.
I have witnessed people being too lazy to think/see for themselves when the truth is right under the spoon of pap they're being fed.
Because it is less effort.
Uber,
I think that is a big problem - not thinking further than others thoughts. We have to learn to synthesize information and take everything with a grain of salt.
Thanks for adding your thoughts.
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