The Truth Shop

THE TRUTH SHOP 

I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the name of the shop: THE TRUTH SHOP.  

The saleswoman was very polite: What type of truth did I wish to purchase, partial or whole? The whole truth, of course. No deceptions for me, no defenses, no rationalizations. I wanted my truth plain and unadulterated. She waved me on to another side of the store.  

The salesman there pointed to the price tag. "The price is very high, sir," he said. "What is it?" I asked, determined to get the whole truth, no matter what it cost. "Your security, sir," he answered.  

I came away with a heavy heart.  
I still need the safety  
of my unquestioned beliefs.  

from The Song of the Bird by Anthony De Mello