“The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” – George Orwell

02 Mar “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.” – George Orwell

I’ve come up with my own litmus test to gauge the accuracy of the endless cascade of information that comes my way.

 

Some of it comes labeled as the news – from historically venerated sources.

 

Some of it comes across the various social media streams – with origins I can’t hope to identify.

 

Some of it comes from friends or colleagues – anxious to convey their point of view.

 

Some of it comes from highly opinionated local or national figures convinced theirs is the only path to enlightenment.

 

Some of it comes from elected officials – or appointed ones – eager to advance their agenda.

 

Some of it comes from fanatics – fringe elements that don’t care if what they say is valid, but anxious to appeal to other fanatics that are of like mind.

 

And some of it, I believe, might be an accurate accounting of what is real.

 

But how do I know that?

 

I have no franchise on the truth – or on discerning it. 

 

I’m not aware of an Information Polygraph Machine that’s currently on the market.

 

To the best of my knowledge there is no such device out there – even though I have encountered a great many who believe they are intuitively gifted in that regard.

 

I’m not.

 

I’ve bought into a lot of dogma in the last few years.  News that turned out to be incorrect – or blatantly biased – or politically motivated.

 

So I’ve decided to resort to a simple approach when it comes to the data and information that inundates me.

 

I think it might just catch on.

 

I encourage you to consider it – the next time an article appears on your laptop – or a journalist shares an important update – or a social media opinion blazes across the headlines.

 

Ask yourself this question, “Is it IDIOT PROOF?”

 

The term isn’t intended to disparage  – it is intended to challenge.

 

Let me explain.

 

An article just showed up on your favorite news source.

 

• It is shocking.

 

• It is disturbing.

 

• It is something you struggle to wrap your mind around.

 

• And it supports your view of the world – so it MUST be true.

 

And at the same time you watch a respected “journalist” conduct a highly publicized interview.

 

• It is shocking.

 

• It is disturbing.

 

• It is something you struggle to wrap your mind around.

 

• And it conflicts with your view of the world – so it MUST NOT be true.

 

 

Get the point?

 

If it supports my narrative – I’m good with it.

 

If not…

 

Which is where   I.D.I.O.T.   P.R.O.O.F.   first arose.

 

Spurred by the humbling recognition that if I simply accept all information as accurate, I might be the idiot.

 

We all might be.

 

I.D.I.O.T. represents that epiphany.  It stands for:

 

• IDEOLOGY (+)
• DIVISION (+)
• INFORMATION BIAS
• OBSCURE
• TRUTH

 

I.D.I.O.T.

 

The above is based on a simple premise.

 

There is no such thing as “your truth” – or “my truth”. There is only “the truth” – everything else is opinion or biased interpretation. 

 

Something I can be very guilty of.

 

But how do I edge closer to truth?

 

For me, it involves looking for P.R.O.O.F.

 

I’ve decided that the only information that I will truly rely on must be:

 

• PRINCIPLED – it comes from an honest source; it is coherent; it is ethical
• RESPONSIBLE – it is trustworthy; it is unbiased; it is rigorously researched
• OPEN MINDED– it is fair; it is impartial, it is independent of outside influencers
• OBJECTIVE – it is accurate; it is comprehensive; and yes, it is courageous
• FACTUAL – it is truthful

 

P.R.O.O.F.

 

Now, here’s the good news – applying this simple formula has eliminated a lot of the noise that surrounds me.

 

Without evidence of P.R.O.O.F.   – it’s much easier to ignore or dismiss the cacophony.

 

And the bad news – the influence of at least some people I once highly respected has diminished.

 

I won’t drink the Kool-Aid just because I like the taste.

 

Oh, I still listen – I’m human.

 

But the influence has waned.

 

I won’t be played just to advance “my side”.

 

Truth, it seems, doesn’t take sides.

 

And America will not stand unless a few of us agree on that point.

 

Will this notion of IDIOT PROOF catch on?

 

Well, that’s anybody’s guess.

 

Right now I’m working on making sure there is one less gullible participant than before.

 

Just don’t ask me to prove it.