Letters
Absolute truth
I am not a fan of the pluralist concept of “multiple” (contradictory/nuanced/simultaneous) truths (editorial, “Looking for truth,” 0824).
I strongly hold with the idea of absolute truth as powerfully expressed in our Torah. (For example, the Shema (Devarim 6:4-9, 11:13-21, Bamidbar 15:37-41), the Ten Commandments (Statements) (Shmote 20:2-15), the Seven Mitzvahs of Noach (for all Humanity) summed up in the eternal morality-”Love thy fellow (neighbor) as thy love thyself” (Vayikrah: 19-18).
This is absolute truth!
What is variable and nuanced is our unfortunate weakness in the pursuit and acceptance of truth in our personal and political struggles. Regrettably, we frequently seek personal gain, power (vengeance) and honor. In psychological parlance, this is referred to as “secondary gain.” This is a poor prognosis for our civilization.
But thankfully, there IS absolute truth.
Jerrold Terdiman M.D.
Woodcliff Lake
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