The Truth "According to social conventions, it is said that one can say the truth only when it is acceptable to others. But that is not truthfulness. Truth should be spoken in a direct and advanced way, so that others really understand what the facts are. If a man is a thief and if he warns people that he is a thief, that is true. Though sometimes the truth is unpleasant, one should not refrain from speaking it. Truthfulness demands that facts be presented as they are for the benefit of others. That is the definition of truth." (Srila Prabhupada BG, 10: 4-5)