Truth in spirit, not truth to the letter, is the true veracity.

What did Robert Louis Stevenson mean by:

Truth in spirit, not truth to the letter, is the true veracity.

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This quote suggests that truth is not always found in the literal interpretation of words, but rather in the spirit or intention behind them. It implies that the essence of truth lies not in the exact words used, but in the meaning and purpose they intend to convey. This is the "true veracity" – the genuine and authentic truth which is not always visible on the surface but lies beneath the literal interpretation.

In other words, it is the difference between the ‘letter of the law’ and the ‘spirit of the law’. The ‘letter of the law’ refers to the literal interpretation of the words, while the ‘spirit of the law’ refers to the intention or purpose behind those words. For instance, a law might state that you cannot park your vehicle in a certain area. The ‘letter of the law’ would suggest that you cannot park there under any circumstances, while the ‘spirit of the law’ might understand that the purpose of this law is to prevent traffic congestion, and therefore, parking might be acceptable under certain circumstances, such as in an emergency.

Applying this concept to today’s world, we often see debates about the ‘letter’ versus the ‘spirit’ of the law in many areas, including politics, business, and personal relationships. For instance, in politics, politicians may adhere to the ‘letter’ of the law, but violate its ‘spirit’ by exploiting loopholes for personal gain. In business, companies may follow the ‘letter’ of the law by meeting the minimum legal requirements, but violate its ‘spirit’ by not adhering to ethical practices.

In terms of personal development, this quote encourages us to look beyond the surface and understand the underlying intentions and meanings. It encourages us to be genuine and authentic in our actions and words, rather than merely adhering to societal expectations or norms. It suggests that true personal growth comes from understanding and embodying the ‘spirit’ of truth, rather than just following the ‘letter’ of it.

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