Sunday, July 10, 2011

Relative Truth

So much of writing is about the truth. We seek to create characters who are true people in their thoughts and actions. We seek the truth in a mystery. We search for the answers to our questions in essays. When you have truth, you hold onto it, knowing that nothing can separate you from facts.

The problem is that not all truths are absolute. Your age is relative; it changes every year. Your location is the same, but changes far more often. Some relative truths are intangible like 'how do you feel' or 'what do you think about this subject'.

Relative truth can be tricky for writers for two reasons. The first reason is that, if you are seeking the truth, you may find it forever slipping away from you. The second reason is that, if you are trying to create true fiction, you are very likely to fit into somebody's truth by accident.

Because of relative truth, people also are unstable and not dependable. They have temporary selves who they cycle between , but you can never guess which version of them you will come across.

When you are writing, ask yourself a two-part question. "Is my statement true? If so, is it true forever or is it true right now?"

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