Nature Quote by Erazim V. Kohák
““Amid the green peace, amid the rightness of nature, the violence of a lie stands out. It is so utterly wrong, a violation of the rightness of the logos. A lie is at the root of all mental distress, the discord between what humans know and what they say, or more deeply, between what humans know and what they dare to admit to themselves. A century ago, Borden Parker Bowne listed the need for truth as one of the most elementary human needs.44 Today, that may seem quaint. We have become accustomed to living in a world of make-believe, of artifacts masquerading as physical objects—the paper flowers pretending to be living plants, the plastic furniture pretending to be wood, the robots pretending to be humans—and humans pretending to be robots. Yet through the ages humans have known that there is no condition more basic to authentic humanity than to live in truth.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theological Essays by Erazim V. Kohák, 1975
Truth is essential to authentic humanity; lies cause mental distress and disconnect between knowledge and expression.
In simple terms: Truth is fundamental; falsehood harms.
Key Takeaway
Seek and live truthfully.
Themes
truth
authenticity
human nature
mental health
philosophy
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
Nature:1
Nature of man:1
Peace:0
Truth:1
Need Truth:1
Violence Lie:1
Logos Lie:0
Rightness Nature:0
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- public discourse
- education
- media consumption
Key Concepts
epistemology
ethical living
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths are you avoiding?
- How does honesty affect your wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
Truth alone may not solve systemic deception.
