Creating Complexity To Hide Truth

Creating Complexity To Hide The Truth
by Eric E. Cane

Truth is hidden in complexity a lot. As someone on the spectrum, I prefer the direct path (as do many other people). Direct observations, expressions, and clarity. When someone overwhelms me with all sorts of dialog meant to hide the truth, it becomes somewhat glaring, uncomfortable, and makes me want to distrust the person.

Another way people get you to “look over here, but not over there” is to inject emotion in the conversation. Emotions to me already seem a mire of ephemeral inconsistency, and most of us engage in a way to make sure we don’t invalidate someone’s feelings — which is proper. But when emotions are used as a tool to misdirect or deflect you from the truth of a conversation or situation, it is like planting a hill full of red flags that you have to step gingerly around until you get to the white flag at the top of the hill. The surrender flag.

I say surrender, because that’s what truth is. Surrender. Vulnerability. To many, it’s loss of control, and that’s why the life building up skills to create complexity. There’s a sense of power and control in creating complexity. If you control a narrative, using it to guide someone where you wish them to be or to look, then that sense of power is validated.

Humans are basic, simple creatures with basic, simple motivations. Sometimes unfavorable motivations or agendas need to be hidden for someone to continue to gain other simple, basic needs. If someone’s basic needs are to continually stimulate an ego, as with the narcissist, or to engage in some other inappropriate or illegal practice, you can be sure a complex narrative cloud surrounds their actions.

However, truth almost always comes out at some point. And truth is even more powerful. It is the direct line that helps build trust in the long run. A person who is able to consistently — and simply — convey truth in their speech and other expressions is looked upon favorably and sought out as a source of…well, truth. It’s not hard, but it’s also not always easy.

In the end, however, it’s usually the best choice for moving forward from where we are now.