truth paste
October 1, 2008 by Holst Group
Edward de Bono Message
In my new book I introduce the concept of ‘truth paste’. Tooth paste is used to make the teeth appear brighter. Truth paste is used by writers and journalists to make their work seem ‘more true’. Truth paste may include references to authorities, references to research etc. Another form of truth paste is the use of adjectives. Almost all adjectives are subjective – the writer’s personal opinion. If you say that something is yellow that can be tested with a spectrometer. If you say something is attractive, clever, childish, devious that is all a matter of opinion. Writer’s can, of course, have opinions so long as they do not pretend what is written is more than an opinion.
In every paper that deals with research or a newspaper article or such in such papers/ essays/articles it is very essential to give references. But in a work of fiction or a half fiction or in an autobiography it would no be good to show footnotes or references, because the very nature of literature is subjectivity. If the author does not provide direct opinions of hers or if she does not create a situation of opinions through the characters then it is not literature.Giving only “facts, and only facts” reminds one of “Hard Times” by Charles Dickens. Benthamite utilitarianism needs only to mention facts and no opinion at all !!
Are we to write in the manner that makes the literature without any emotion, transformatory devices of its characters, or the interpretation of facts? Certainly not. Therefor subjectivity counts a lot; and it ought to be there in every literary piece.