An Honest Truth

Interestingly enough, the title that I've chosen for this blog is just as problematic as the concept itself. As is often the case, I am frustrated by sayings and phrases I hear that are, by definition, repetitive or contradictory. So, yes, I realize that this now spoils some of the surprise of the rant that may follow, but I cannot help but acknowledge the redundancy in my own title.

Anyway, this title (despite being a common saying) was not the phrase that led to this conversation. Rather, in my attempt to develop a creative or intriguing title I stumbled upon a second related redundancy. My original intention was to draw your attention to the phrase "true fact". More commonly used in the full sentence (yes, I'm thinking of just this one) such as, "that's a true fact". WELL DUH! But, before I go on my tirade, lets confirm our impressions:

The following are based on the Oxford English Dictionary (online):

fact: "Something that has really occurred or is actually the case; something certainly known to be of this character; hence, a particular truth known by actual observation or authentic testimony, as opposed to what is merely inferred, or to a conjecture or fiction"

I would like to call attention to my favorite set of word "a particular truth".

true: "Of a statement or belief: Consistent with fact; agreeing with the reality; representing the thing as it is."

Again, let attention be called to "Consistent with fact".

Need I say more? Likely not, but I will continue anyway! So, "true fact" is referring to a statement or thing that is a true - consistent with fact - fact - a particular truth. This is not only redundant but its circular! (I do love circles... see my previous writing on simplifying the area formula: http://tb13logbored.blogspot.com/2011/07/simplified-solution.html) So, we could argue the merits of this claim two ways. First, it is always correct and therefore always accurate to say. Is it true? Is it a fact? If its one it's both. If its both then it's obviously a "true fact".

Secondly, what if we consider the phrase "true fact" to be self-fulfilling. Can a statement of claim be true without being a fact? Can a fact be a fact without being true? I fear that perhaps the claim that an idea or thought is a "true fact" actually defeats the authenticity of an argument by presenting a claim that is consistent with only (and supports only) itself.

So, now that my main idea has been presented, I need to address the issue of my title. I think most of us have at one point heard the phrase "it's the honest truth" (or one similar to it). Again, referring to the dictionary, we can find the definition of honest: "That deals fairly and uprightly in speech and act; sincere, truthful, candid; that will not lie, cheat, or steal." Once again we can identify a keyword in "truthful". Well, if it is actually the truth, I certainly hope it's truthful!

So, i'm not saying you should never hear the phrases, or that you should be mad at those who do use them. However, I'd like to point out the redundancies that exist so that we can simplify our language, and clean our arguments. Language is an art. Be concise in what you say. The more wordy you become, the more you hide the truth from the eyes of the many.

Who's Plan Was It?

Many of those who know me, or have known me for a long duration have come to acknowledged that I hate planning things. I find that the majority of times, decisions (equally as good) can be made on the spot, and are often motivated by the deadlines themselves. However, when I do attempt to make plans, its inevitably a disaster. Either the plan falls apart, in which case it was a lot of effort with no gain, or the plan was flawed and things need to be adjusted. What I find most frustrating is when plans can be made time and time again, and they STILL don't help things actually happen. As a result, I offer many people lots of "probably"s and "maybe"s. Most of the time the time these words are synonymous with "yes", but they still allow for the leeway to adjust plans.

Now, my personal battles that exist with making plans are not the purpose of what I have to say right now. In actuality, (or what I had planned to talk about) is the phrase "planning ahead". Now, before you read further take a moment to think about that statement.

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Have you thought about it? Notice anything wrong? Well, the phrase is used by a HUGE percentage of people and is completely redundant. I myself use it, and having made this realization, it bothers me every time. The Oxford English Dictionary defines "plan (verb)" as the following:

"decide on and make arrangements for in advance"

At this point I hope its clear that if you are indeed planning (as you presumably are if you said you were "planning ahead") then it is by definition ahead. Ask yourself this: When was the last time you sat down one afternoon and decided to plan yesterday? That morning? Last night? Never! The thought not only seems ridiculous but sounds wrong. So instead, we as a society go around notifying our peers that we are planning ahead. Well done.

So, the next time you are going to make yourself a plan for yourself, think ahead, and tell everyone that you are merely goign to go plan.

The Pop-tart Rule

Many of the things we do in life are guided, if not governed by a set of rules. These rules are sometimes big, "important" things, and sometimes they are merely tricks and reminders that help us better our own lives with suggestions. An example of a larger rule is Gravity. It sits there, pulling you downwards when all ya want to do is jump really, REALLY high. But no, Gravity says you may not, and so we don't. Then, to smaller rules, rules that could be broken, but we choose not to because by following them we have improved the standards by which we live. These rules include academic honesty, "please and thank-you", and all sorts of chivalrous deeds that were done back in the days of knights, damsels, and distressed moments of dragons and tall towers.

Anyway, I am here to share a rule that I have made and has helped guide me in many different circumstances through my life (this far). "One Pop-tart is two Pop-tarts". Now, to those of you who have not heard me say this, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking this comment is stupid, even impossible. Perhaps, I am actually being a hypocrite to myself and developing a saying that is either redundant, contradictory, or altogether false. But, before anyone jumps down my throat I'd like to call everyone's attention to the way in which Pop-tarts are sold. When you buy "one" Pop-tart, what you actually receive is a little crinkly and silver package, in which there are TWO Pop-tarts. Thus, one Pop-tart is actually two Pop-tarts.

So, why is this a rule? Do I just REALLY like to eat Pop-tarts? Actually no. I don't even remember the last time I had a Pop-tart. However, this example and saying provides a model that can be used to describe a multitude of facets in life, both for entertainment and safety. I will begin, and be more brief with my example for entertainment. Suppose you, like me, were at times (if not always) a gamer. And suppose that you, being said gamer, is with his friends playing a game. In truth, it is good, competitive play and good times are being had by all. But, as the time approaches to be off to a new activity, errand or event, the responsible member of the group deems "this will be our last game". Unfortunately, after hours of GOOD games, you have a complete and utter blow-out. Nobody wants to end that way. The winner feels unchallenged and the losers feel...well not good... But, the claim for "last one has been made". Luckily for us, we now have a rule that can blur the meaning of "one". Upon completion of this so-called "last game" a player may invoke the "one Pop-tart is two Pop-tarts" rule. Thus, a new last game is easy enough to be justified.

My second use for this rule is a much more practical one. Those of you who live in White-Tailed Deer infested regions will know exactly what I'm talking about. Those of you who don't, I suggest you take notes. If you have ever driven a car, and this car that you drove was in a place that had deer, then its likely that you've had to slam on your breaks to avoid hitting said deer and creating an entire Bambi complex for any small children who may be in your car. (If you have not had this experience...I suggest you pay attention.) This is a perfect example of when the Pop-tart rule can be applied. Imagine its late at night and you're driving and you see a deer go frolicking across the road. HIT THE BREAKS. Why you ask? The deer already crossed after all. The reason is "one Pop-tart is two Pop-tarts". There is NEVER just one deer. Much like fishing, "you never catch the one you see". With deer, its not the one that already crossed that you're going to get. And deer NEVER travel alone. Where there is one deer, there is two deer (if not more). So, when you see a deer cross the road, remind yourself that one Pop-tart is in fact two Pop-tarts, slow down, and make sure you know where the rest are.

If you find yourself in another context in which you find this rule particularly relevant, I would love to hear about it. Of the "casual rules and guidelines" that I have created for myself through the years, this is among my favorites and would love to know other examples of contexts that it is particularly useful. Hope you enjoyed. Remember, play more games, same some wildlife!