The Crisis of Truth in America

Preface

Navigating the Bullshit¹

The observations offered in this volume are dedicated to the notion that America still enjoys the wherewithal to correct its current course, that the centrifugal tumult of the last few years is not a sign of inexorable decline. By design, much of the narrative is steeped in whim and mischief in loyalty to Horace’s counsel, riendo dicere severum, i.e., “through what is laughable, say what is somber.” It is indeed my purpose to entertain those electing to turn these pages. But, at the same time, there is a serious message contained herein, viz., that we need to re-awaken a critical spirit along the lines of ancient Pyrrhonism² and, correspondingly, be prepared to reject any concept, theory, or teaching lacking legitimate foundations. Sadly, this perspective appears to be waning at an alarming rate in contemporary society. Increasingly, it seems, our understanding of the term “Truth” has been commandeered by an egregious swarm of charlatans,³ mountebanks, and knaves intent on throwing dust into the eyes of the average American. Unsurprisingly, their purposes are almost always self-serving and inevitably relate to two factors routinely responsible for civic and cultural decline—the tandem abuses of money and power. We all need to recognize that no society can function productively if its Truth standards become thin and watery because in the absence of a viable understanding of that term, a variety of cognate categories essential to an open society—justice, right, fairness, equity—are immediately imperiled. In short, when Truth is denied an opportunity to serve as a societal beacon and instead falls victim to the guileful intrigues of scoundrels, it is inevitable that the moral and spiritual substance of a people will be subject to debilitating compromise.

Accordingly, it is the objective of this text to heighten olfactory sensitivities, to foster more sophisticated nostrils that can unfailingly detect the scent of manure. The goal, put another way, is to produce good “Missourians,” who insist on being “shown” that the issue under consideration does not involve bovine extrusions. Above all, be it hoped this volume leaves the reader pondering the following question: What is the likely fate of a society in which the power of Truth has been disregarded, dishonored, and defiled in favor of shameful humbug?⁴

Acknowledgments

This project benefited greatly from the generous contributions of family, friends, and colleagues. Among these obliging benefactors the following merit special mention. My editor, Dr. Philip Dunshea, always insightful, constructive, available. Ms. Diana Poulos who, over the years, has evolved from graduate assistant into a trusted colleague. Readers, Dr. Kay Sato and Ms. Mary Pigliacelli, who consistently rescued me from typographical and grammatical missteps. And special thanks to Professor Richard Hart who graciously tolerated multiple encroachments upon an otherwise peaceful retirement. The scholarly lens he brought to the manuscript played a major role in bringing this endeavor to a successful conclusion.

Finally, an acknowledgment that stands apart—to the extent it involves a matrimonial partnership spanning more than 53 years. Whatever modest successes I might claim in my life are, without question, attributable to the love and assistance bestowed by my wife Linda. Would that words alone were adequate requital for such support and devotion.