Talking About vs Knowing the Truth
Talking about and Knowing the truth are two levels of understanding that are characterized by a number of differences between them. Talking about something is the result of imperfect understanding. In this case, the speaker has a limited knowledge and the reliability and accuracy of the information is very low. On the other hand, knowing the truth is the result of perfect understanding. Unlike in the case of talking about, when you know the truth, the knowledge is true and accurate. This is because it is more of a personal self experience. This highlights that these are two different concepts, which will be examined in detail.
What is Talking About?
Talking about can be defined as the act of discussing something with another. In order to discuss, the person needs to have at least some knowledge. This knowledge can be acquired in many ways. Most people use what they hear and read about as information when engaging in conversations with others. In this case, the individual has some knowledge of the topic at hand. However, the accuracy of this knowledge remains doubtful as well as limited. Mere talking about something without substantial knowledge about the truth of it can be assumptions and rumors. In rumors and assumptions, there is virtually no knowledge about the truth. This can be understood through an example.
Imagine a situation where a factory has been constructed in your area. The people in the nearby community speak ill of the factory, claiming that it has created an unhealthy environment for the neighboring communities due to the release of toxic gases and disposals. This is not based on any substantial evidence, but based on rumors. In such an instance, people talk about the factory and its activities. There is no true knowledge but mere assumptions and rumors which lead the conversation. This is the significant difference between talking about and knowing the truth.
What is Knowing the Truth?
When paying attention to knowing the truth, it is different from talking about something. It is often preceded by inquiry. In order to know the truth, you inquire about something. The special feature is that unlike in the case of talking about, which relies on different sources that may provide inaccurate information, here the sources are very reliable. Thus, the knowledge gained is true and accurate. In most occasions, this is a self experience. This is especially true in the case of spirituality. In spirituality, the person who knows the truth has experienced the truth for himself.
In the case of scientific knowledge, a scientist who has conducted experiments by himself talks about it. Sometimes it may happen that one establishes the knowledge about the truth after talking about it. In other words, it can be said that the person who knows the truth helps others to possess the same knowledge by talking about it. This is the reason why scientists and researchers first come to know the truth and then talk about it to the public or to the media. It can thus be said that although talking about and knowing the truth are two different levels of understanding, they are related to each other in ways more than one. They are separated only by a thin line.
What is the Difference Between Talking About and Knowing the Truth?
- Talking about is not preceded by inquiry whereas knowing the truth is preceded by inquiry.
- Talking about something is based on some form of knowledge which may be false whereas, when knowing the truth, the knowledge is true.
- Talking about something may be based on what we hear and read whereas knowing the truth is after self experience.
- In some instances, knowing the truth leads to talking about it.
Image Courtesy:
1.Talking About by Women of the Wall (Women of the Wall) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2.Knowing the truth by [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
