“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
- 7th century BC to 5th century BC
- Indian
- Religious leader, thinker
- Founded Buddhism, taught people the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which showed the causes of suffering and how to resolve them, and spread the path of training aimed at inner liberation and enlightenment.
Quote
“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
Explanation
This quote emphasizes the inevitability of truth coming to light. Just as the sun and the moon cannot remain hidden for long due to their natural cycles, the truth will eventually be revealed, no matter how much it is concealed. It suggests that truth has a way of surfacing, even when people try to suppress or obscure it.
In the modern world, this principle remains relevant as it speaks to the transparency that is often sought in both personal relationships and society at large. Whether it’s a misunderstanding, a lie, or a hidden agenda, time and circumstances tend to expose these things. For instance, whistleblowers in organizations often reveal truths that were once hidden, leading to change or accountability. Just as the sun rises every day, the truth will eventually be known, often with greater clarity and impact over time.
Historically, this aligns with Buddhist teachings about the impermanence of falsehood and illusion. In Buddhism, living with truth is seen as essential to achieving wisdom and enlightenment. By embracing honesty and clarity, individuals can avoid the suffering caused by deception and misunderstandings. Buddha taught that the pursuit of truth leads to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
