Brief Answer:
Let’s start with clear definitions:
Beliefs: How we understand or perceive things to be.
Reality: The way things are, independent of our perceptions.
Truth: A belief or statement that accurately reflects reality—“telling it like it is.”
So, when a belief aligns with reality, it is true.
Why is truth often confusing today?
The reason why so many people have trouble with “truth” is because our culture is
currently suffering from “truth decay”, which has developed over decades of indulgence
in sweet ideas, and failure to brush up on logic in our education. Filling the holes in our
rational thinking require re-learning the basics of truth (see blog The Truth about Truth).
If, and only if, your beliefs fit reality – then they are true – and can be relied upon, while
those opposed will drop you at some point into unexpected consequences, because
that is what incorrect, untrue, or false beliefs do.
Our culture is experiencing what some call “truth decay.” Over time, we've indulged in
feel-good ideas at the expense of truth, neglecting critical thinking and logic in
education. This has led to a weakening of our ability to discern and embrace what’s
true.
To counteract this, we need to re-learn the basics of truth—understanding that truth
isn’t subjective or based on feelings. It’s grounded in reality.
When your beliefs align with reality, they are true and reliable. But if your beliefs don’t
match reality, they will inevitably lead to unexpected and often harmful consequences.
Just like a faulty map, false beliefs may seem fine at first, but they’ll mislead you in the
long run.