"Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of truth"

Richard Whately's quote, "Everyone wants to have truth on his side, however not everybody wishes to be on the side of reality", records an extensive and enduring dichotomy in humanity. It highlights the contrast between the desire to be validated and the more tough dedication to uphold truth, even when inconvenient.

The first part of the quote, "Everyone wishes to have truth on his side", highlights typical human habits: the desire to be right and have our beliefs and actions justified. It shows a natural propensity to desire our point of views and opinions supported by truth, as this validation uses a sense of security and righteousness. This part of the quote suggests that reality, when aligned with our views, strengthens our convictions and legitimizes our positions in debates, conflicts, or discussions. It's reassuring to think that an unbiased standard supports us, as it boosts our reliability and decisiveness.

On the other hand, the second part, "however not everybody wishes to be on the side of reality", suggests an unwillingness or inability to line up with truth when it opposes individual beliefs or interests. This reveals a common human struggle with cognitive harshness, where individuals might resist accepting facts or truths that challenge their preconceived notions, biases, or hassle-free stories. It takes nerve, stability, and humility to stand by the truth, particularly when it demands change, admission of error, or going against the crowd.

Whately's observation requires introspection and stability, urging people to prioritize fact over personal or collective convenience. It's a call to pursue reality even when it's unpleasant or needs personal sacrifice. The quote challenges us to analyze whether our loyalty lies with reality itself or simply the perception of truth that serves our particular desires. Eventually, it's a poignant tip of the ethical responsibility to look for reality genuinely and courageously, beyond self-serving interests.