Faith Quote by Iain McGilchrist
““None of us actually lives as though there were no truth. Our problem is more with the notion of a single, unchanging truth. The word 'true' suggest a relationship between things: being true to someone or something, truth as loyalty, or something that fits, as two surfaces may be said to be 'true.' It is related to 'trust,' and is fundamentally a matter of what one believes to be the case. The Latin word verum (true) is cognate with a Sanskrit word meaning to choose or believe: the option one chooses, the situation in which one places one's trust. Such a situation is not an absolute - it tells us not only about the chosen thing, but also about the chooser. It cannot be certain: it involves an act of faith and it involves being faithful to one's intentions.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist, 2009
Truth is relational and chosen, not an immutable absolute; it reflects both the object and the believer’s trust and intention.
In simple terms: Truth depends on perspective and belief.
Recognize the role of belief in shaping truth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal decisionmaking
- ethical deliberation
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your beliefs shape what you call true?
- Can you distinguish between loyalty to a person and loyalty to a principle?
Truth may be manipulated to justify bias or power.