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At the age of 15 I was captivated by a phrase used by Dr. John Stott: that I should be, "an honest seeker after the truth." It has been at the centre of who I am ever since. The phrase embodies two qualities: the first of personal integrity and a willingness to self-analyse; the second a belief in an objective truth.
In our postmodern culture it is generally accepted that an objective and transcendent truth is not knowable. In fact, this is not so new a viewpoint as some would admit, since the Jewish philosopher Maimonides and the Christian philosopher Thomas Aquinas had reached the same conclusion in the 12th and 13th Centuries respectively.
This has never stopped men reaching for truth through metaphor; nor did it stop God's promise that When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart. This optimism is decidedly counter-cultural, but is reflected in my index page with figures from history, theology, literature, science, music and philosophy:
Herodotus is the father of history, my biggest intellectual passion. History defines our cultural identity and gives an unfettered breadth to the human condition.
St Thomas Aquinas was a theologian and the official philosopher of the Roman Catholic Church. He argued, significantly, that faith and reason are harmonious principles in the search for truth.
Oscar Wilde was a poet, novelist and playwright. More than any other writer, his work reflects the dual natures conflicting in man. It is in the arts that a deeper understanding of humanity is explored.
Albert Einstein is recognised as the greatest physicist of all time for his work on relativity and quantum theory. He represents our search for truth in the observable.
Steven Morrissey is unsurpassed as a lyricist. Often derided as depressing, his writing is actually full of wit, empathy and wry emotional observations.
Friedrich
Nietzsche was a philosopher and moralist. He reflects the
modern trend toward individualism, existentialism and
phenomenology, as well as the rejection of traditional religious
mores; though he did maintain an optimistic outlook for man's
future.
From these diverse inspirations, I continue daily in my search for a
truth that I'm sure is beyond my comprehension; faith is choosing to
believe in something when one cannot be certain. I remind myself to
listen to those who are on similar, honest, journeys towards truth, but
to doubt those who claim to have arrived at the destination.
