Such truth, as opposeth no man's profit, nor pleasure, is to all

"Such truth, as opposeth no man's profit, nor pleasure, is to all men welcome." These words from the philosopher Thomas Hobbes cut to the heart of human nature and the delicate balance between truth, self-interest, and comfort. In this insight, Hobbes touches upon a profound reality—that truth is not always embraced simply because it is true, but rather because it aligns with one's pleasure and profit. When the truth does not challenge our interests, when it does not disturb our comfort or wealth, it is easily accepted by all. Yet, when truth conflicts with what we desire—when it threatens our pleasure or undermines our profit—it is often met with resistance, rejection, or even hostility. This is the dual nature of truth: a force that is both welcomed and resisted, depending on its impact on the individual.

To understand this better, we must look at the nature of truth itself. Hobbes is not speaking of truth in the abstract or in the realm of pure philosophy. He is speaking of truth as it is experienced in the daily life of human beings, a truth that is often filtered through the lens of self-interest. People welcome truths that do not challenge their comfort, their wealth, or their status in society. When truth is aligned with personal gain or pleasure, it is embraced with open arms. But when truth exposes our weaknesses, our flaws, or challenges the very foundations of our power, we are far less willing to accept it. It is human nature, as Hobbes so wisely recognized, to cling to truths that affirm what we already believe or desire, while rejecting those that would lead us into discomfort or change.

This tension between truth and self-interest can be seen throughout history. Consider the time of the Roman Empire, when emperors like Nero manipulated truths to maintain their power and pleasure. Nero’s reign was marked by extravagant indulgence, and his truths were often those that fed his ego, his pleasures, and his sense of control. Yet, when truth began to reveal his cruelty, his mismanagement, and his failures as a leader, it was met with resistance. The truth that opposed his pleasure was not welcome. Nero and his advisors attempted to suppress any inconvenient truths, for those truths threatened his reign and his indulgences. This is the tragic irony that Hobbes understood: truth is often embraced when it serves our interests, but rejected when it does not.

Even today, we see how truth is often welcomed when it fits within the framework of our desires. Take, for example, the field of medicine. Scientific discoveries that bring new cures, treatments, and knowledge are often celebrated, but when a truth emerges that challenges our habits, such as the need to change diets, exercise, or give up vices, it can be met with resistance. The truths about the dangers of smoking, for instance, were slow to be accepted because they opposed the pleasure and habits of those who indulged in it. It is easy to accept truths that reinforce what we already want to believe, but difficult to face those that confront us with hard realities.

Hobbes’ words, then, are a sobering reflection on the nature of human psychology and the social contract. People may claim to desire the truth, but in practice, they often seek truths that are easy to accept, that fit within their current worldview, and that do not challenge their interests. This is why so many resist uncomfortable truths—for they threaten the pleasure and profit that we have worked to build, or that we take comfort in maintaining. We often find solace in the truths that allow us to maintain our status, wealth, or personal comfort, and we are far less willing to confront those truths that ask us to change or sacrifice.

The lesson to be learned from Hobbes is not just about the way society accepts or rejects truth, but about our own personal relationship with it. How often do we seek out truths that serve our immediate desires, and how often do we avoid those that might require us to change, to grow, or to face discomfort? The truth does not always arrive in the form we wish it to; it is not always convenient, nor does it always align with our self-interest. But the truth, when embraced, has the power to liberate us from the confines of ignorance and denial, and lead us to greater understanding, greater strength, and greater wisdom.

So, what must we do in our own lives? First, we must question our impulses and desires when we encounter a truth that challenges our comfort. Are we welcoming it with open arms because it aligns with our interests, or are we rejecting it because it threatens what we hold dear? Let us strive to embrace the uncomfortable truths, to seek out knowledge and understanding that may not always fit into our current worldview, but that will ultimately make us better, wiser, and more honest with ourselves and the world. Truth may be unwelcome when it opposes our pleasures, but it is only through facing these truths that we can achieve true growth. Let us learn to welcome the truth in all its forms, not just the one that serves our immediate pleasure and profit. In doing so, we will discover the deeper power of truth—a power that transcends self-interest and leads us to a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world.