If people were wholly virtuous, they would never deviate from the truth.
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.
— John 3:19–21
Do not be afraid of anyone, exalted or lowly, rich or poor, learned or unlearned. Respect everyone, love everyone, but do not be afraid of anyone. Follow the truth which reason reveals to you, and stick to your convictions no matter what. Do not wait for the crowd’s response. The less voices there are on the side of truth, the more you should raise your own. Believe that truth is more powerful than delusion, prejudice or passion, and be ready for martyrdom. Accept that truth is not a local and temporary phenomenon, but something immutable, eternal, universal, one with God and possessing his omnipotence.
— Channing
Seek the truth in thought, not in rotting books. If you want to see the moon, look at the sky, not into a puddle.
— Persian saying
The fruit of every good deed done from the day you were born will perish the moment you deviate from the truth. The Highest Spirit that dwells in you, and which you know is one with you, is an omniscient observer of your good and evil deeds.
— Manusmriti
Truth is not learned by way of conversation, but only by work and observation. And when you grasp one truth, two more are certain to appear before you.
— John Ruskin
Truth is harmful only to those who do evil. Those who do good love the truth.
