"Truth is what works."

The heart of the matter here is that truth isn't some high-flying abstract concept; it's all about what actually delivers results. If something works—if it produces the desired outcome or solves a problem—then it's true. Simple as that.

This idea comes from the philosophy of pragmatism, popularized by thinkers like William James and John Dewey in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They argued that the truth of a belief or theory is determined by its efficacy in practical application. So, rather than getting tangled up in theoretical debates, they focused on what works in real life.

Let’s dive into an example to bring this to life. Think about a doctor treating a patient with a mysterious illness. The doctor might not know the exact cause of the symptoms at first. They try one treatment, and it doesn't work. They adjust the medicines, and still no change. But then, on the third try, the patient's health starts to improve. The treatment that finally works is what's true for that patient. It doesn't matter if the initial diagnosis was off; what counts is the outcome—the patient's recovery.

So, how can you apply this idea in your own life? Start by testing your beliefs and assumptions in the real world. Don’t just accept things because they sound good or because someone says they’re true. Put them to the test. If they hold up and produce good results, then you know you’re onto something. If not, be ready to change your approach.

Now, imagine you’re starting a small business. Everyone’s got advice—some say you need a flashy website, others swear by social media ads, and some folks think word-of-mouth is the way to go. Instead of getting overwhelmed, try things out. Maybe you launch a simple website and see how it goes. If you get customers, great! If not, tweak your strategy. Run a few social media campaigns and measure the results. If they bring in traffic and sales, then you know they work. The point is, you discover the truth of what works for your business through experimentation and real-world feedback.

Think about Thomas Edison for a moment. He famously said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.” When he was inventing the light bulb, he didn't sit around theorizing about which filament material would be best. He tried hundreds of materials until he found one that actually worked. The truth was in the result: a working light bulb.

To wrap it up, keep this idea in your back pocket: truth is practical. It’s about what you can rely on to get the job done. So, next time you’re faced with a decision or a problem, think like a pragmatist. Test your options. See what works. And remember, the results are your best guide to the truth.