The Source

     Find the original point from where the the Mississippi River flows to reach the source in Minnesota.  We trust the mapmakers and the publishers are providing the truth.  We need to do the same for the news of the day and for our ideas and opinions.   Be aware of the source of knowledge.
     When we hear or read the news, we need to consider the source of information, the fairness and reputation of the reporter, and the possibility for exaggeration and bias.  The messenger and the message should convey the truth.  Testimony from eyewitnesses helps reveal the facts.  And the facts should be distinguished from opinions.
      All ideas have a source which may originate from people living or long-gone.   We should take care about who we trust.  The reliability of ancestors, experts, scientists, scholars, publications, TV channels, and websites should be scrutinized.  Our emotions and prejudices should be set aside to come up with the facts and the truth.
      The source of  some ideas can be traced back into ancient history.  The eyewitnesses may have related their stories orally.  These stories were handed down through many generations before written language even existed.  Many religions use their scriptures as historical records based on the words of the Original Source written down by believers.
     The farther we go back into history to get to the source, the more difficult it is to understand the facts and get to the truth.  We all must take on the responsibility of finding and becoming sources of truth.