You cannot demand truth, and then select half and throw the inconvenient remainder away.

What did Ellis Peters mean by:

You cannot demand truth, and then select half and throw the inconvenient remainder away.

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This quote essentially speaks to the idea of selective truth, a concept where individuals or groups choose to acknowledge only the parts of reality that align with their pre-existing beliefs or desires, while disregarding the rest. It suggests that truth is an indivisible entity, and to seek it means to accept it in its entirety, including the parts that might be uncomfortable, inconvenient, or contradictory to one’s beliefs.

In the realm of personal development, this quote could imply the necessity of self-honesty and introspection. Often, people might be tempted to ignore or deny their flaws and mistakes, choosing to focus only on their strengths and achievements. However, true personal growth and development requires acknowledging and accepting one’s entire self, including the less pleasant aspects. This acceptance is the first step towards improvement and change.

In the context of today’s world, the quote can be seen as a critique of the current era of ‘post-truth’ and ‘alternative facts’. In the political sphere, for instance, leaders and their followers might choose to embrace only the facts that support their agendas, while dismissing those that do not. This selective acceptance of truth not only distorts reality but also contributes to polarization and conflict. According to the quote, a commitment to truth means acknowledging all facts, regardless of how inconvenient or uncomfortable they might be.

In a broader perspective, this quote also resonates with the scientific method. Science does not pick and choose its facts; it demands the acceptance of all evidence, even if it contradicts previous theories or beliefs. Therefore, the quote can also be seen as a call for intellectual honesty and integrity in all fields of inquiry.

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