The different kinds of truths

The word “truth” can mean different things for different people, in different situations. Some truths are based on facts, whilst others are based on opinions and may be true for one person but untrue for another.  

The first kind of “truth” is one that people probably think of immediately; factual or “objective truths” which are based on facts. These truths are based on observations, data, and facts established by science. For example, the understanding that the Earth rotates around the Sun is an objective truth because it can be observed and measured and in that way is not based on opinion.

The second kind of “truth” is one based on opinion; or "subjective" truths. These truths are based on beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For example, one person may believe that someone is handsome, whilst another person may not think they are handsome. It is not that one of those people are lying, it is that their subjective truths are different. Subjective truths can be true for one person but may not be true for another person, and it is okay that these are different.  This kind of truth can change.

The third kind of “truth” is one based on fact and opinion; “soft truths”.

These might be changed slightly for the benefit of someone else and are also known as “white lies”. They can be tricky to understand and use. For example, a person may think that their friend does not look nice in their dress.

Whilst it might be "the truth" to tell them, this might upset and offend them. In this situation, the  social rules or convention, is not to tell them. If their friend asks them how they look, then this is the time for a "soft truth".

"I think you look better in jeans because they suit you". "soft truths" are a part of social rules; it is not that soft truth is a lie or manipulation, it is a variation of the truth, or a way of telling "the truth" less directly, that spares someone feeling scared or upset.