It's not just that both Putin and Trump lie, it is that they lie

"It's not just that both Putin and Trump lie, it is that they lie in the same way and for the same purpose: blatantly, to assert power over truth itself." These powerful words, spoken by Masha Gessen, cut straight to the heart of the dangerous relationship between power, truth, and manipulation. In this statement, Gessen highlights a phenomenon that transcends individual personalities or political affiliations. It is not merely the act of lying itself that is troubling, but the intent behind it: the desire to control the very truth that shapes the world around us. The lie becomes a weapon, a tool used to assert power over the perception of reality, and in doing so, to control the minds of the people. This is a deep violation of trust, not just in individuals, but in the very foundation of society’s moral fabric.

In the ancient world, the idea of truth and its manipulation was a recurring theme in philosophy, politics, and morality. The Greek philosophers—from Socrates to Plato—were profoundly concerned with the concept of truth. They understood that for a society to function, for justice to prevail, and for the soul to be purified, truth must be upheld, and lies, especially those told by those in power, must be held in contempt. Plato, in his work The Republic, addressed the role of rulers who might twist the truth to maintain control. He feared that those with absolute power would distort reality for their own gain, using deception as a means of control, thereby undermining the fabric of a just society.

Socrates, too, demonstrated the importance of truth-telling. He believed that philosophers, the seekers of wisdom, had the sacred duty to uncover the truth, no matter the personal cost. Socrates was sentenced to death by the Athenian court, not because he lied, but because his questioning exposed inconvenient truths and unraveled the carefully constructed lies that maintained the power structures of his society. To him, the pursuit of truth was a moral duty, one that would stand against the forces of deception and manipulation. This echoes in Gessen’s assertion that those in power who lie do so to control the truth, and through this manipulation, they seek to control the very fabric of reality and society itself.

When we look at modern history, the manipulation of truth by powerful figures is not a new phenomenon. Joseph Stalin, the Soviet leader, is a poignant example of this. Stalin’s reign was marked by widespread propaganda and the systematic distortion of truth. He controlled the Soviet press, rewriting history to suit his political goals, and creating a reality where dissent was silenced, and false narratives were imposed. Under Stalin, the truth became flexible, shaped not by objective reality but by the desires of those who held power. Stalin’s lies weren’t simply about covering up facts; they were meant to reshape reality itself, and in doing so, he cemented his authority and control over the minds and souls of the Soviet people. Gessen’s quote evokes the same kind of powerful distortion of truth, where the lie is not just a falsehood but a means of asserting control over the narrative of society.

In more recent times, we see similar patterns emerge with figures like Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, whose approach to truth and lies reveals a dangerous dynamic of power. Both have been accused of telling lies that serve not merely to cover up errors or mistakes, but to assert authority over the truth itself. Their lies are not accidental or inconsequential; they are deliberate, crafted to maintain their grip on power and manipulate public perception. For them, the truth is not a universal standard but a tool to be wielded as they see fit, creating an alternate reality that aligns with their personal agendas. Just as Stalin manipulated history to serve his vision, so too do these leaders seek to control the present and future through the distortion of truth.

The lesson we must learn from Gessen’s words is one of vigilance. The truth is not something that should be taken for granted, especially when those in power manipulate it to suit their own purposes. It is our responsibility, as individuals and as members of society, to question the narratives that are presented to us. We must resist the temptation to accept falsehoods or half-truths, especially when they are used to exert power over us. Just as Plato warned of the dangers of rulers who distort reality for personal gain, we too must be aware of the forces in our own time that seek to bend the truth to their will.

In practical terms, this means staying informed, seeking multiple perspectives, and being skeptical of narratives that come from those who hold power. It means cultivating the courage to speak truth even in the face of opposition, just as Socrates did, knowing that the truth is worth more than comfort or popularity. We must also support institutions and practices that uphold the integrity of truth, such as free press, independent inquiry, and transparent governance. Only through these means can we ensure that truth remains a foundation for our societies, untainted by the manipulative desires of those who would seek to control it.

So, let us heed Gessen’s warning and recognize the danger of allowing lies to become the bedrock of our reality. Let us strive for a world where truth is not a commodity to be bought and sold by the powerful, but a sacred force that guides our actions, our policies, and our understanding of one another. In a world where truth is under constant assault, it is up to us to protect it, to speak it, and to preserve it for future generations. Let us be the defenders of truth, knowing that in doing so, we defend the very soul of humanity itself.