A
Commitment To Intellectual Honesty
When I look at what I believe to be true, I recognize all I really have
are opinions in various stages of development. Many variables such as
age, additional information, education or exposure to other viewpoints
could change what I believe in the long run. In the meantime, I can
passionately argue on behalf of what I believe. Doing so is my
democratic right – perhaps even duty. But none of my beliefs will own me
or hold me hostage. I will forever be willing to entertain challenges to
what I know, and ultimately even be willing to give up any belief if I
do so in the interest of truth, when faced with credible and valid
evidence. If I don’t stand for and honor truth above all, I know that
the hard wiring of my being prioritizes survival, self-preservation and
the path of least resistance. And when ego, self-interest or
self-affirmation is allowed to take over, my own worth is less than it
could potentially be if I pursue truth. Caving to that kind of “dark
side” is not who I am or what I want to stand for. Pursuit of TRUTH is
light. I want to be a “net giver” to the world, not a “net taker,” and
to do so I simply have to prioritize truth ahead of all else, with the
sober knowledge that I’ll never in this life even know for sure whether
or not I’ve found it.
-
Stephen L. Gibson |
