I have often wondered if there might be a single truth or if many truths exist. The thought that one man’s hero might be anothers villain comes to mind. After thinking about this for a while, it seems plain to me that only one truth may exist. Truth may be bent and twisted, and made to look as it if it were the genuine thing, but in the end it is not. We can run around it, and attempt to bypass it, but it’s still there lurking over our shoulder, reminding us that we know the difference.

Within John Norman’s works he speaks about truth. It has fascinated me for so long how he was able to say things in a manner even I could understand. I have never met the man. He does not know me. Yet he has spoken to me a thousand times and in ways he will never know. I do not worship at the Alter of DR Lange, but I do admire him. I respect the fact that he was willing to step forward during a time when what he was going to say was sure to be castigated, and scorned. I can respect that. I can also recognize some truths when I see it.

John Norman: "Truth not won is not possessed. We are not entitled to truths for which we have not fought."

What does this mean to me, to all of us who have chosen to live life within a framework of ideas, and concepts foreign to the silent majority who are unwilling, whatever the reason, to stand up and be accounted for? It means we are seeking the heights of freedom. Anyone if they wish could find an excuse for almost anything. Excuses are unacceptable to Goreans. But to be bold enough to defy the majority, to stand against the current tides of “sameness,” seems to me the mark of a person who fights for truth. Each seeking truth from their own position or place in life.

John Norman: "Culture decides what is truth, but truth, unfortunately, is unaware of this. Cultures, mad and blind, can die upon the rocks of truth. Why can truth not be the foundation of culture, rather than its nemesis? Can one not build upon the stone cliffs of reality rather than dash one's head against them?"

Why? Because truth is a harsh. It requires sacrifice, and a price to be paid. Nothing in life comes easy. Something not earned with effort is perhaps worthless. Effort will see a person through when nothing else could or would.

John Norman: "Is it not safer to cower in the caves of lies than to stand upon the cliffs of truth, surveying the world? Yet when one stands in the sunlight, and feels the winds of reality, how dank and shameful seem the dark shelters of falsehood, and how foolish it seems then to have once feared daylight and fresh air."

What does this mean? Is it easier to remain hidden and not face truth? Does it mean that if we remain behind closed doors that the grating reality of truth will be kept at bay? Perhaps not, because somewhere inside, where no one can look, will be deceit, deceit of the human spirit. We can't lie to ourselves.

I will look for life’s truths. I shall find along the way others seeking these truths. I look forward to the expedition.

I wish you well,

JaKil