This archive report was first published on 9 May 2020.
On the front page of this newspaper, a new mast reads, 'The Truth Will Find You.' This phrase is a reminder that truth is essential, especially in times when it's scarce.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, people are seeking answers about its origins, effects on health, and impact on the economy. However, truth is not abundant, and it's up to individuals to create, share, and retell truthful stories about our condition today.
According to Michel Foucault, there are four forms of truth and truth-telling: prophecy, wisdom, teaching, and parrhesia. Parrhesia is the act of speaking truth to power, which is often difficult and can lead to negative reactions, irritation, and even death.
As Foucault notes, even in a democracy, it's often the flatterer, praise singer, and uncritical follower of leadership who are listened to, rather than those who speak truth to power.
Today, we need parrhesiasts urgently. We need truth-tellers to speak stories of truth to our leaders, exposing the myths of development and the harsh realities of poverty and inequality in our society.
As President Macron of France said, 'What worries me is the illness of everyone for himself.' Can we create stories that speak the truth about how damaging this 'illness of everyone for himself' has been to humanity in the recent past?
