Can We Handle The Truth?

“The truth is more important than the facts.” Frank Lloyd Wright

Wait…what? Is this iconic architect offering yet another argument for “alternative facts?”

I don’t think so.

I can’t imagine fact-free architecture. Buildings are constrained by science, gravity doesn’t care whether you believe it. Ignoring inconvenient facts doesn’t stop the structure from collapsing.

Frank Lloyd Wright saw a world beyond that which can be expressed with mere facts. He saw beauty and wholeness and connection. In 1936 he imagined and designed Fallingwater (click the link if you have time). Many declared Fallingwater as folly; Wright fulfilled his vision not by ignoring the facts but by understanding and looking beyond them to create something timeless.

Truth always transcends evidence. Those who follow impossible dreams, who value love, grace, kindness, generosity, wisdom, courage, will always seem a bit mad based on the facts. It’s just the sort of craziness required to live a life worth living.

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I believe in evidence, and I can list all sorts of facts about the FREEDOM TOUR. I can tell you about human trafficking and the kids at the HOME OF HOPE, about the benefits of cycling and accepting a fitness challenge. The evidence clearly shows we’re doing a worthwhile thing.

I’m not sure the evidence does much to convince you to get involved.

The truth about this project is found in a dream, a vision of being part of something bigger than yourself. It’s found in personal challenge and forming deep, lifelong relationships.

You don’t sell that sort of truth. You share it, and invite others to hang out with it, and hope they’re inspired to write their own big story.

I wonder how often we limit ourselves by waiting to be convinced by the facts rather than seeking the truth.

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