People sometimes claim that things are a matter of opinion.  Opinions and statements can always be examined for accuracy by comparing them to facts. They are only true when they align with objects and the actual things about them that are being observed. The characteristics of these real objects are the only things that are subject to variations. Opinions and statements can only be true or false since they are mere expressions of the facts about certain objects that have been observed at a particular time. A person may have a different perspective due to their proximity, but their interpretation of the situation will still only be capable of being true or false.

A story is often told about blind men touching an elephant with each one giving different opinions of what an elephant is like. Although they may have conflicted opinions, these opinions still will not change the observation by everyone else that the object they touched was in fact an elephant. To claim a person is lying breaks into the realm of motives. It is better to focus on opinions as they relate to facts. A person who values truth will adjust their opinions to follow the facts if errors in their observations are pointed out.

Keep in mind that motives belonging to individuals are a personal thing that only those who are close to them will know with any certainty. There can be a wide range of opinions when speculating about motives and yet accurate statements can still be made about the actions themselves.  A news reporter who is objective will state their observations only and maybe interview eyewitnesses who are hopefully doing the same. When opinions about motives are inserted with the observations, it taints the entire account with loose speculation and the accuracy of the entire account must be put into question. This causes an audience to have a difficult time sorting things out while trying to get the real picture. These principle are true in all our conversations.

Real objects contain the variables we seek to accurately describe when working outside of fiction. Opinions and statements when presented to us are only capable of two characteristics, being true or false. It is good to have a well developed ability to sort out loose accounts from accurate ones. A diligent person won’t join the lazy bandwagon of “that’s just an opinion”, but will seek to understand the truth in a matter while laying aside loose speculations.