In today’s fast-moving digital world, information spreads faster than truth can catch up. This three-part series invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the quiet strength of discernment. As seniors, our life experience gives us a special kind of wisdom, the ability to look deeper, question gently, and share carefully. Together, let’s explore how understanding, humility, and truth can guide us in what we read, believe, and pass along.
In today’s world, information travels faster than the
morning news. A single post, photo, or quote can circle the globe before
breakfast. We scroll, we read, and sometimes, without meaning tom, we share.
Most of the time, our intentions are good. We want to help others stay
informed, feel inspired, or be safe. But sometimes, what we pass along isn’t
quite as true as it seems.
It’s easy to forget that speed and truth don’t always travel
together. What spreads quickly online isn’t always accurate. And yet, we live
in a time when the loudest voices often drown out the wisest ones.
As seniors, we’ve lived long enough to know that truth isn’t
always obvious. Experience has taught us that things are rarely as simple as
they first appear. We’ve learned that even good people can misunderstand or
misinterpret facts. But with so much information at our fingertips, it’s harder
than ever to tell what’s real.
The quote says it perfectly:
“Lack, disease, and discord always, and only, stem from
misunderstandings of the truths that be.”
When we misunderstand what’s true, about health,
relationships, politics, or even our own community, confusion follows. A post
about a new “miracle cure” might offer false hope. A rumor about a government
change might stir unnecessary fear. A claim about a friend or public figure
might spark discord.
It’s not that people set out to deceive others; often, they
simply share what they believe. But when misinformation grows unchecked, it can
divide families, worry friends, and spread fear.
The first step to understanding truth is awareness. That
means pausing before reacting. When something you read online makes you feel
angry, anxious, or overly certain, that’s your cue to slow down. Real truth
invites calm reflection, not panic.
Ask yourself:
- Who
wrote or shared this?
- What
do they stand to gain?
- Can I
find this same information from a trusted source, like a news outlet or
health authority?
If the answers aren’t clear, hold back. The truth doesn’t
vanish when you take time to check it.
We’ve all had moments when we were sure we were right, until
life taught us otherwise. Perhaps we misheard a story, misunderstood someone’s
intentions, or drew the wrong conclusion. Those moments can be humbling, but
they also shape wisdom.
The wise are not those who never err, but those who learn
from their missteps. Each misunderstanding brings us closer to clarity. Each
correction strengthens our ability to discern truth from noise.
And yet, in today’s world, humility is rare. The internet
rewards certainty, not reflection. But reflection is what keeps us grounded. It
allows us to say, “I’m not sure yet,” or “Let me check before I share.” Those
words protect both our reputation and the trust of others.
The most powerful “truths that be” are simple: kindness,
curiosity, respect, and honesty. When we hold these values close,
misinformation has less room to grow. Instead of reacting to every post, we
start to see the patterns. The stories designed to divide us lose their grip.
Truth doesn’t demand urgency, it invites understanding.
So, the next time you see a post that stirs strong feelings,
take a breath. Ask questions. Seek confirmation. If it truly matters, it will
still matter an hour from now.
We live in extraordinary times, times that connect us in
ways our younger selves could hardly imagine. But connection without
discernment can lead to confusion.
Our role, as the elders in our communities, is not only to
share wisdom but to protect it. To question what we see, to verify what we
hear, and to spread truth rooted in compassion, not reaction.
Because when we understand the truths that be, we help heal
misunderstandings before they become discord. We model what real wisdom looks
like in the digital age: calm, curious, and kind.
And that is how we keep truth alive, one thoughtful click at
a time.
