Substantiate

SUBSTANTIATE = prove by evidence; demonstrate, verify; to establish by proof

QUESTION: Do you just believe whatever you read?

STORY: Today we live in a blizzard of information and it takes quite a bit of time and energy for an individual to stop, question, study and verify the accuracy of what he or she hears or reads in the news media, social media or from emails from family and friends. Most people don’t have the time, energy or the interest to dig in deep and verify that what they are told (by people they know or by their leaders, journalists, members of Congress) are TRUTHFUL! Ordinary people are not skilled scientists nor are they medically trained doctors or nurses. It is much easier to just believe what we are told. Thankfully some people appreciate and value the TRUTH. These people stop and demand evidence and proof - before they just comply with what they are told!

QUOTES

“The man of science has learned to believe in justification, not by faith, but by verification.” ~ Thomas Huxley

“When journalism is treated as just another widget in a commercial enterprise, the focus isn't on truth, verification or public good, but productivity and output.” ~ Heather Brooke

“All nuclear material in weapons programmes must be subject one day to binding international verification.” ~ Ban Ki-moon

EXERCISE

STOP.

Sit quietly. Assume an erect posture. Sense the breath. Imagine yourself as a Truth seeker - knowing you are here for a purpose - higher than making a profit.

Get your pen and paper and write words expressing your questions about some of the information being blasted at the public. Don’t take my word for this. Verify for yourself. And draw lines expressing how your energy feels when you stop and demand evidence.