Truth, like a torch, the more it's shook it shines.

"Truth, like a torch, the more it's shook it shines." With these words, William Hamilton speaks of the unyielding power of truth, a force that only grows brighter when faced with adversity and scrutiny. The torch is a symbol of knowledge, clarity, and revelation—an emblem of the light that exposes what is hidden. But Hamilton does not speak of a static light, gently flickering in the dark; rather, he speaks of a flame that grows stronger and more brilliant when shaken—when it is tested by the forces that seek to distort or suppress it. The truth, in this sense, is not fragile, but resilient—its light becomes more piercing and definitive the more it is challenged. Just as a torch becomes brighter when disturbed, so does truth reveal its full force when subjected to the trial of doubt and opposition.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of truth was not simply an intellectual exercise but a spiritual and moral quest. The Greeks, especially Socrates, emphasized the importance of questioning, of challenging assumptions, and of seeking truth in the face of opposition. Socrates knew well that truth is not something that can be easily grasped; it must be tested and refined through the process of dialogue and critical inquiry. The more one questions and tests the truth, the clearer it becomes. This is the same wisdom Hamilton speaks of: truth is like a torch—it is meant to shine, and it shines brightest when it is shaken, when it is forced to endure the rigors of challenge and scrutiny.

Take, for example, the story of Galileo Galilei, whose discoveries about the heliocentric universe were initially met with vehement resistance by both the Church and much of the scientific community. Galileo’s truth—the understanding that the Earth was not the center of the universe—was not easily accepted. Yet, rather than dimming in the face of opposition, his truth grew ever more powerful. As he faced trial, persecution, and house arrest, the truth of his discoveries became even more resilient. The more Galileo was shaken by the forces of authority, the brighter the light of his insights shone. His truth, like the torch, did not flicker out in the face of doubt; it burned brighter, illuminating the world for future generations.

This principle also applies to the philosophical and scientific revolutions that have shaped human progress. The truths uncovered by Isaac Newton, for example, were not easily accepted by all in his time. The idea that the universe was governed by universal laws of motion and gravitation was radical and shook the foundations of centuries-old beliefs. But Newton’s truth—grounded in observation, reason, and evidence—stood firm in the face of opposition and doubt, just as Galileo’s did. Newton's discoveries became a beacon of light, and as time passed, the truth of his laws became universally accepted. Like a torch that shines brighter with every challenge, the truth became more and more definitive as it stood the test of time and scrutiny.

In more recent times, we see the same dynamic in the struggle for civil rights. In the face of racism and oppression, the truth of equality and justice was relentlessly challenged, yet it did not fade. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., despite facing violent opposition and even death, continued to uphold the truth that all men are created equal. King’s truth did not dim under the weight of hatred; rather, it grew stronger with every opposition and setback. The more the forces of injustice tried to suppress the truth, the more the light of equality and justice began to shine through, leading to monumental changes in the laws and attitudes that had once oppressed millions.

The lesson that Hamilton imparts to us is both inspiring and empowering. When faced with adversity, truth does not falter—it grows stronger, more defined, and more powerful. This is the power of resilience. Just as the flame of a torch grows brighter when tested, so does the truth. In our own lives, we must remember that the pursuit of truth is not always a smooth path; it is one often marked by resistance, doubt, and misunderstanding. Yet, it is in these moments of struggle that the truth reveals its greatest strength. The more we embrace the truth, the more we allow it to stand in the face of opposition, the more clearly it will illuminate the path forward.

So, let us be like the torch in Hamilton’s words: let us stand firm in the face of challenge, knowing that our truth will shine all the brighter the more it is shaken. Whether in science, society, or our personal lives, let us hold fast to the truth, knowing that even when it seems difficult to confront, its light will guide us. May we have the courage to pursue the truth, to question what we know, and to defend it in the face of adversity, for it is only through this steadfastness that we can uncover the deeper realities of life and illuminate the world for others. The truth, like a torch, is not a fragile flame to be hidden—it is a force that burns brightly in the face of all who seek it.