“Truth”—the word feels intimidating, spiritual, disconnected from reality, and often reserved for philosophers or spiritual leaders. These misconceptions prevent most of us from truly understanding what “truth” means, let alone seeing it clearly. Perhaps there could be a more relatable term, but alternatives like “honesty,” “integrity,” or “rightness” have their limitations. They’re subjective and change with circumstances. Truth, however, isn’t subjective. For instance, the fact that “the sun provides heat” is an absolute truth—timeless, constant, and unchangeable.

Despite potential discomfort with this word, I’ll continue using “truth.” Once fully understood, you might find your own expression for it. The real value lies in recognizing its practical importance in everyday life. Why should we care about something timeless? Why anchor our life’s principles to something permanent?

In today’s fast-paced world, where material success, financial stability, and external achievements dominate our aspirations, pursuing truth often becomes an afterthought. Many people ask, “Why bother with truth? I already have a comfortable life, a well-paying job, and everything I need.” However, could there be deeper satisfaction accessible only through understanding truth—something enduring beyond temporary comforts?

Philosophical wisdom, such as that found in texts like the Bhagavad Gita, offers practical insights relevant to everyone. For instance, the Gita distinguishes between the real and the unreal, the permanent and the transient. Rather than focusing heavily on scriptural references, let’s use logic and everyday experiences to explore truth. By reflecting logically and questioning motivations, we achieve clarity, genuine fulfillment, and purpose that surpass temporary successes.

1. Truth vs. Illusion: The Nature of Reality

We view life through lenses shaped by societal expectations, personal desires, and conditioning. Just like a distorted mirror offers a false reflection, minds clouded by illusions perceive incomplete realities. Many chase externally defined successes—titles, wealth, and recognition—but without understanding fundamental truths, this pursuit often leads to emptiness.

Examples of Truth:

• Gravity: Objects naturally fall toward the ground, regardless of individual beliefs or opinions.
• Mortality: Every life is temporary; no one remains forever, irrespective of achievements or fame.
• Growth of a Tree: If you plant a seed in the soil under appropriate conditions, a tree will naturally grow.

Examples of Illusion (Subtle and Relatable):

• Believing happiness always lies just beyond the next milestone—once you achieve the promotion, buy a new house, or retire.
• Assuming that making everyone around you happy at the cost of your own happiness will eventually bring you lasting peace.
• Thinking constant busyness is always meaningful, even when it distracts you from deeper self-awareness and genuine fulfillment.

Often, people fail to differentiate clearly between truth and illusion because illusions are comforting, familiar, and reinforced by society. Even when they recognize an illusion, many underestimate the importance of consistently aligning with truth. They might think, “Yes, I know money doesn’t guarantee happiness,” yet they remain trapped in the pursuit of wealth without deeper purpose or self-awareness. Recognizing truths isn’t enough; living by them as consistently as possible is crucial for genuine, lasting fulfillment.

Understanding this brings us naturally to our next question: Why is Seeking Truth Important?

2. Why is Seeking Truth Important?

Clarity and Purpose
Imagine climbing a ladder only to realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall. Achieving success without clarity can lead to disappointment. Understanding deeper truths ensures our efforts align with what genuinely matters.

Freedom from Illusions
Think of someone constantly seeking validation from social media. This endless pursuit often leads to anxiety. Truth provides a foundation beyond fluctuating external opinions, helping us find stable self-worth.

Inner Stability Amidst Change
Life is unpredictable, filled with unexpected challenges. Like a deeply rooted tree, understanding truth helps us stay grounded and resilient during turbulent times, recognizing life’s ups and downs as temporary.

Beyond Materialism
Picture running endlessly on a treadmill—you run faster but get nowhere. Material success alone can feel similarly futile. While valuable, wealth and achievements shouldn’t define our identity. Pursuing truth provides lasting peace, perspective, and contentment.

3. How to Seek Truth?

Reasoning and self-inquiry are powerful tools for uncovering truth. It isn’t imposed externally; rather, it’s discovered through thoughtful reflection.

Applying Reasoning in Daily Life
Question daily assumptions: Why pursue certain goals? Why feel anxious about external achievements? Regular reflection leads to meaningful insights and clarity.

Distinguishing Permanent from Temporary
Physical bodies, wealth, and social status are transient, but consciousness and deeper truths persist. Logic helps us see why temporary achievements alone won’t provide lasting peace.

Practicing Detachment
Perform tasks diligently, but release attachment to outcomes. By working hard without anxiety over success or failure, we gain inner peace and stability.

Learning from Everyday Experiences
Each challenge is an opportunity to learn. Analyze setbacks logically: What caused this? Was I too attached to outcomes? This introspection builds emotional and mental resilience.

Engaging in Thoughtful Discussions
Truth-seeking flourishes in dialogue. Deep conversations, reflective exchanges, and studying wisdom refine our understanding, sharpening insights into life’s deeper principles.

Conclusion: Why Truth Matters More Than Success

Career achievements and wealth have their place but aren’t life’s ultimate purpose. Without questioning deeper meanings, we remain bound by illusions, constantly striving but rarely fulfilled. Seeking truth integrates deeper understanding into daily living, offering lasting peace, clarity, and genuine purpose.

Ultimately, knowing who you truly are matters far more than knowing what you’ve achieved. The pursuit of truth is essential for anyone seeking meaning, fulfillment, and inner freedom in modern life.

“नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥”

Transliteration:
nāsato vidyate bhāvo nābhāvo vidyate sataḥ |ubhayor api dṛiṣṭo ’ntas tv anayos tattva-darśhibhiḥ ||

Translation:
“The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be. The truth about both these has been seen by those who perceive reality.”