If truth is first subjective, can any absolute truth truly exist in the world? When someone experiences a truth in a deeply personal (subjective) way, it becomes their absolute truth. But does this give them the right to claim that their subjective truth is universal and objective?
In every sectarian claim—whether it pertains to religious faith, political systems, or ideologies—a particular view or interpretation is imposed on what is called “absolute truth,” often shaped by one’s background, interests, or even prejudices. When someone insists that their particular approach to truth should be universal, the truth itself becomes subjective, stripped of its claim to objectivity, and therefore universality.
For instance, consider Bush’s claim that Iraq and North Korea are “evil.” They are labeled “evil” not because they pose a threat to the entire world, but because they threaten the selfish interests of American policy.
Truth is always relative. What is truth for one person need not be the same for another. Furthermore, what is true for someone at one point in time may not remain the same at another time. Generally speaking, truth is subjective, bound to change according to the needs, moods, and circumstances of the individual seeking it.
Thus, we can safely say that what one experiences is their truth. However, if experience becomes the sole criterion for determining truth, then everyone’s experience becomes truth itself. In such a scenario, no absolute truth exists to test whether someone’s personal experience with the truth is accurate.
This can be illustrated by a famous exchange between Dr. Radhakrishnan, the philosopher and former President of India, and his friend B.D. Moses. Radhakrishnan once said, “The essence of religion is the experience of truth.” Moses responded, “No, the essence of religion is the ‘truth’ about your experience.” Thus, what has been tested and proven over time through the experiences of many can serve as a measuring rod to evaluate any claim about truth.
—Mathigiri, February 3, 2003 & Bangalore, February 6, 2007
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