A Short History of Truth: Consolations for a Post-Truth World

A book reflection by Leigh Martinuzzi 

In this book, the author, Julian Baggini, explores ten types of supposed truth. The purpose of this writing, I guess, is to give us comfort in truth in a world that is polarised by so many conflicting untruths. It helps us understand what truth is, how and why it can be distorted or misleading, and how we may find truth within the truth.

Julian Baggini is a writer, best-selling author, and philosopher. He has written and co-authored several other books including Edge of Reason, The Ego Trick and What’s It All About. Like myself, Julian is passionate about the search for meaning in a life full of mystery and marvel – exploring small thoughts about big things and big thoughts about small things.

What are the dimensions of reality that brings us meaning?

What is fact? What is not?

What is distorted by the support of a majority?

Truth is one dimension of our reality that delivers us meaning.  We search for truth to bring our lives understanding. In understanding ourselves, we develop a level of certainty in regards to the world and reality we live. Uncertainty is uncomfortable and threating to one’s existence. In efforts to enhance the quality of our life and survival, we crave truth. However, as Julian highlights, seeking truth is no simple matter.

The ten types of truth that Julian addresses are, Authoritative truths, Esoteric truths, Reasoned truths, Evidence-based truths, Creative truths, Relative truths, Powerful truths, Moral truths, and Holistic truths. Are there other categories of truth? No doubt! However, I’d argue that when you reflect on these ten that Julian has identified as it relates to the meaningfulness of our personal lives, most of what shapes it will likely fall under one of these ten supposed truths.

The problem with our search for truth, as Julian explains, is that it is less straightforward to have the truth than ever before. One contribution for this is humanities increased ability to prove what is the fact by evidence provided by science and research.

Another is globalisation. As the population continues to soar and unite so does the clash of perspectives, beliefs, religions and ideas. A truth that once was held and contained to a tribe is no longer. What once was believed in a small group now needs to be proven in a global community of others truth.

Julian carefully dissects each of these ten categories of truth. I’d encourage you to take a read to discover the philosophy behind each. In sharing he assists my understanding as to why they exist, how they influence our perceptions of truth.

It also outlines why they can be turned upon themselves to falsify what is the truth. With this in mind may we be able to climb behind the clouds of false information that shape our reality and find more significant meaning and perhaps joy in this lifetime.

What we perceive to be reality is marked by what we believe to be true. And I feel that in more in-depth understanding, bought to us via personal reflection and philosophy; we may find peace. Questions are a grand place to begin this process and this book by Julian Baggini gives rise to many insights that we can question ourselves.

If you’ve enjoyed this review, I encourage you to explore Julian’s work further. Support the show by using the Amazon links below. You can also listen to my interview with Julian Baggini here.

If this book sounds of interest you can purchase A Short History of Truth: Consolations for a Post-Truth World here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Further Reading and Resources 

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American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

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Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.