Intellectual Takeout’s Post

"There are a lot of lies circulating around the world, and the worst thing is that half of them are true." - Winston Churcill 1️⃣ The Prevalence of Misinformation: The phrase acknowledges the widespread existence of lies or misinformation in today's world. This could be a comment on how easily false information can be spread, particularly through social media and the internet. 2️⃣ The Blurred Line Between Truth and Falsehood: By stating that "half of them are true," the message suggests that distinguishing between truth and lies is becoming increasingly difficult. It points to a situation where truth is not absolute and can be manipulated or presented in a way that makes lies seem credible. 3️⃣ The Irony of Truth within Lies: The paradox in the statement ("lies" being "true") highlights the irony that sometimes what we perceive as lies may contain elements of truth. It suggests that even false narratives can be built around kernels of truth, making them more believable and difficult to outright dismiss. 4️⃣ A Commentary on Public Discourse: This could be seen as a critique of the current state of public discourse, where sensationalism, biased narratives, and half-truths often overshadow objective facts and reasoned debate. 5️⃣ The Challenge in Seeking Truth: The message implies that in the quest for truth, one must navigate through a landscape riddled with both lies and truths intertwined. It speaks to the challenge of critical thinking and the necessity to scrutinize and verify information before accepting it as true. Overall, this message serves as a reflective and somewhat cautionary statement about the state of information and truth in our contemporary society, urging readers to be discerning and critical when confronted with the myriad of information that surrounds them. #BelieveYourShit #TrustYourSource #StopSharingRubbish

"perception begets knowledge when images bump into our sensory organs”. https://lnkd.in/dr4wZdf2 I believe the ancient philosophers were describing some of our current wanna be autocrats (again) in America and elsewhere who tell us what "truth" is. Shakespeare got it right also with these words - "fair is foul and foul is fair". https://lnkd.in/d6sZe9Ma Our world has transitioned into a space where the political bullies in our world are coming together to support a world where truth is covered up by false perceptions and fear. We all suffer when we voters and business leaders fail to use critical thinking to sort out fact from fantasy in our political leaders. When we allow these charlatans to paint their perceptions into the fabric of our reality we all suffer. And in our world too many suffer because of our collective failure to use critical thinking in our voting and business decisions.

The word ‘Philosophy’ comes from the Latin and Greek words, ‘Philo’ and ‘Sophia’. ‘Philo’ means ‘love’ and ‘sophia’ means ‘wisdom’. Hence, in a time where uncertainty, division, fake news, etc., prevail, we must all become lovers of wisdom. But then, what is wisdom? https://lnkd.in/dKUjfRC7

In the world we live in, the truth often lies hidden beneath layers of uncertainties and half-truths. "In the shadows of doubt, the truth awaits - Illuminated by the discernment of those who dare to question." This phrase leads us to reflect on the importance of seeking the truth, especially when confronted with lies that lack an ethical purpose. But what drives us to lie? Is it the fear of facing reality, or the temptation to manipulate others' perceptions for personal gain? Lies without an ethical purpose create a labyrinth of illusions, where reality is lost amid fictional constructs. It's crucial to ask ourselves: what is the cost of a lie? It may seem harmless at first, but each deceit carries the potential for irreparable harm. Whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or society at large, dishonesty erodes trust and compromises integrity. Our reflection should not be limited to judging others, but also to looking within ourselves. Are we being honest with others, and, most importantly, with ourselves? Self-analysis is an essential step towards living ethically and transparently. Therefore, when faced with lies that lack an ethical purpose, let's make a conscious effort to seek the truth. May our discernment be the light that dispels the shadows of doubt, allowing us to live more authentically and with integrity. After all, in a world full of uncertainties, being a voice of truth is the greatest act of courage and integrity we can have.

KANT HAD ONLY ONE RULE FOR LIFE...WAS HE RIGHT? Kant believed that for something to be good, it had to be universal—that is, it can’t be “right” to do something in one situation and “wrong” to do it in another. e.g. If lying is wrong, it has to be wrong all the time. Kant called this universalised ethical principle a “categorical imperative” i.e. a rule to live by that is valid in all contexts, in every situation, to every human being. “Act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.” Kant believed that rationality was sacred that we are the only known creatures in the universe that are able to make decisions, weigh options, and consider the moral implications of any and every action. Kant wrote that “without rationality, the universe would be a waste, in vain, and without purpose.” To Kant’s mind, without intelligence, and the freedom to exercise that intelligence, nothing would matter. Kant’s Rule in more modern language: “Each person must never be treated only as a means to an end, but must also be treated as an end in themselves.” Did he underestimate other ‘ethical’ considerations? Refs. Mark Manson Metro. Critique of Pure Reason The Critique of Practical Reason The Critique of the Power of Judgment (

In a failed society, trivial topics and people take center stage while wise minds and conscious words are overpowered. Russian writer Anton Chekhov once said, "there are a thousand fools for every wise mind, and a thousand clumsy words for every conscious word". It's a society where songs and meaningless words find millions of people dancing and repeating them, while writers and authors are left unknown and undervalued. Chekhov's observation highlights the danger of democracy in an ignorant society, where the majority decides your fate. It's a reminder to prioritize critical thinking and seek out conscious words in a world that often favors pettiness and numbing. Let's strive to be the wise minds in our society and elevate important discussions.

Abraham Lincoln created Trust through Authenticity and Vulnerability. "As far as all external conditions were concerned, there was nothing in favor of Lincoln. He had a lean, lank, indescribably gawky figure, an odd-featured, wrinkled, inexpressive, and altogether uncomely face." "He used singularly awkward, almost absurd up-and-down and sideways movements of his body to give emphasis to his arguments. His voice was naturally good, but he frequently raised it to an unnatural pitch." "Yet the unprejudiced mind [on watching Lincoln speak] felt at once   that there was a thoroughly earnest and truthful man, inspired by sound convictions in consonance with the true spirit of American institutions." "[Lincoln] appealed to the higher instincts of human nature...Lincoln always touched sympathetic chords... [His] speech excited and sustained the enthusiasm of his audience to the end." _____ Excerpts from the reporting of journalist Henry Villard (1835-1900), who observed the Lincoln-Douglas Debates (August 21 to October 15, 1858) and met with Lincoln several times in the years after the debates. Quotes of Vilard are excerpted from an article published in The Atlantic magazine anthology "Jubilee: One Hundred Years of The Atlantic", published by Little Brown and Company, Boston, Toronto, 1957 ____ This post curated by Dennis Mellersh, Thought Leadership Content Writer and Journalist. I'd like to know your ideas on Thought Leadership. If you're interested in sharing your views, please email me at mellershdennis@gmail(dot)com  I'm redesigning my services and temporarily not taking on new projects. #ContentWriting, #Authenticity #Trust #Vulnerablity

Truth is often held hostage by our own convictions. Here's a thought to ponder. 👇 Friedrich Nietzsche, in his book "Man Alone with Himself", said: "Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies." Think about it. Our convictions, our firmly held beliefs, can blind us to the truth. They can make us resistant to new ideas, And deaf to opposing viewpoints. We become so entrenched in our convictions, that we reject any information that challenges them. In essence, our convictions can keep us: - From growing - From learning - From evolving They can prevent us from seeing the world as it truly is, And from understanding the people around us. So, what do we do? We must learn to question our convictions, To challenge our beliefs, And to be open to the possibility that we could be wrong. Remember: - It's okay to change your mind. - It's okay to evolve. - It's okay to grow. After all, the pursuit of truth should be our ultimate goal. —— ♻️ If this resonates, send this to someone who needs to hear this today.

In the world we live in, the truth often lies hidden beneath layers of uncertainties and half-truths. "In the shadows of doubt, the truth awaits - Illuminated by the discernment of those who dare to question." This phrase leads us to reflect on the importance of seeking the truth, especially when confronted with lies that lack an ethical purpose. But what drives us to lie? Is it the fear of facing reality, or the temptation to manipulate others' perceptions for personal gain? Lies without an ethical purpose create a labyrinth of illusions, where reality is lost amid fictional constructs. It's crucial to ask ourselves: what is the cost of a lie? It may seem harmless at first, but each deceit carries the potential for irreparable harm. Whether in personal relationships, the workplace, or society at large, dishonesty erodes trust and compromises integrity. Our reflection should not be limited to judging others, but also to looking within ourselves. Are we being honest with others, and, most importantly, with ourselves? Self-analysis is an essential step towards living ethically and transparently. Therefore, when faced with lies that lack an ethical purpose, let's make a conscious effort to seek the truth. May our discernment be the light that dispels the shadows of doubt, allowing us to live more authentically and with integrity. After all, in a world full of uncertainties, being a voice of truth is the greatest act of courage and integrity we can have.

Read this passage somewhere on the internet. It makes so much sense in today’s world. I wish I could know the author…..”What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no-one who wanted to read one. Orwell feared those who would deprive us of information. Huxley feared those who would give us so much that we would be reduced to passivity and egoism. Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us. Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance. Orwell feared we would become a captive culture. Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy. As Huxley remarked in Brave New World Revisited, the civil libertarians and rationalists who are ever on the alert to oppose tyranny “failed to take into account man’s almost infinite appetite for distractions.” In 1984, Huxley added, people are controlled by inflicting pain. In Brave New World, they are controlled by inflicting pleasure.” Yes. The things we are not ready to accept so often are the source of great misery. Civilisation’s biggest mistake was the "THOUGHT" that other species are stupid or devoid of intelligence (including the human race that lived at the jungle level in great joy and wisdom).