“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” ~ Albert Einstein
I’ve often marveled at the ingenuity of those standouts in history who dedicated their lives to the restoration of goodness and truth to their rightful place at the apex human understanding and function. It hasn’t been easy. Human beings have resisted this restorative process tooth and nail throughout the ages, giving every reason and excuse for not coming to the point of yielding every ounce of their capacity to the expression of goodness.
“The ideals which have always shone before me and filled me with the joy of living are goodness, beauty, and truth. To make a goal of comfort or happiness has never appealed to me; a system of ethics built on this basis would be sufficient only for a herd of cattle.” ~ Albert Einstein
In my estimation, the greatest hindrance to the restoration of sanity on earth is the obsessive pursuit of comfort. Human beings want comfort on their own terms. For each one, it means something a little different, and yet those differences always seem to conflict and contradict rather than complement one another.
Don’t get me wrong. Comfort is not intrinsically bad or evil, but it becomes so when its possession is put ahead of goodness and truth. Comfort achieved at the expense of goodness and truth is fleeting, hence the multitude of comfort-seekers in every corner of the earth.
“If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.” ~ C.S. Lewis
What percent of your energies do you devote to the development of a greater understanding of truth? What is truth to you? To me, truth is the pattern of principle, purpose, design and control that govern the expression of life as well as all creative activity.
The principles of truth are eternal, while their application is specific in relation to the need at hand. There is no “your truth and my truth,” for the truth is holistic and more importantly, never in conflict with itself.
The truth is the one thing that will set you free from a life of wishful thinking and despair. Get to know it and you will not be left comfortless! No matter how much the world challenges, criticizes and condemns you, you will be at rest if goodness and truth are your central concern.
Gregory Hake 
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How true it is that the pursuit of reality can be the only thing that settles the heart and bring one to rest. I thank these words here!
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I like the C.S. Lewis quote. I have been thinking a lot about this post today. Many people have spent thir entire lives searching for truth, but have been unable to find it. I think one of the reasons has been because people are looking for the wrong thing. You wrote that the truth is never in conflict with itself. I think that is a good starting point for further thought on this…
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The statement “let’s agree to disagree” may allow for the preservation of “my truth” but how awe-inspiring that there is something immutable above the level which humanity attempts to either keep a superficial peace or bully each other with opinion, doctrine, judgment. I enjoy your perspective – there is nothing watered down about your stance that each individual is destined for unique greatness within a holistic design. No excuses! Thanks for the consistent shout out – it’s super inspiring for this reader!
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Good to hear. Thank you!
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This that you outlined is truly the easier, softer way, the only challenge is in convincing others that it is so….
How about we today, here and now, return to that apex, through re-dedicating our lives to the highest ideal possible, a life governed by Truth (Principle, purpose, design and control) Everything From the Microcosm, to the Macrocosm, functions purposefully, as it was designed to, the only glitch in the whole system is the conciousness of MAN (male and female). Here we stand at a time where great fulfillment is possible and the restoration is at hand, who’s hand……OURS. So knowing this, great Truth, why not let it be so!
I for one re-dedicate my Life to the Truth, No matter what that looks like for me! For I can certainly concur that The ideals which have always shone before me and filled me with the joy of living are goodness, beauty, and truth.
Deeply appreciate all that you represent,
Thanks Gregg!
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Great post, loved the 2nd Einstein quote. I’ve noticed people often seek comfort while having a conversation. They seek to connect or agree often forming agreements (based on what is wrong) limiting the growth process …..all in an attempt, it seems, to feel comfortable. The term “awkward silence” often denotes a conversation gone wrong.
Conversation creates!
Truth and goodness is often buried beneath filters and coping mechanisms accumulated throughout a lifetime. A right conversation can provide openings for releasing these barriers . . . .
The book you mentioned in a previous post: “Time to Think” is full of starting points for creative conversation.
Really appreciate your blog, Gregg. Thanks!
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You’re welcome. I imagine that even a marginal improvement in the quality of conversation would go a long way in making the world a better place!
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Our culture is designed around comfort – TV, fast food, emotional comfort, the goal of retirement, etc. I have often marveled at great leaders and their constant quest to push the envelope of his understanding to better the world around them.
I think there’s a tendency to undervalue what’s really of value in ourselves and to overvalue what’s not. We each have something to offer that is just as wonderful as the amazing men and women you highlight in your blog.
The question is, are we willing to go beyond our comfort zone? Are we willing to work diligently and passionately to not only understand the truth, but to dedicate the central energy and concerns of our lives to it? If not, then we have “soft soap and wishful thinking” to look forward to. Isn’t the “joy of living, goodness, beauty, and truth” worth the investment of your life? I certainly think so!
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