"Truth is so rare that it is delightful to tell it"

Emily Dickinson’s observation encapsulates both the elusiveness and the value of truth in human experience. Truth, in her words, is not merely something regularly accessible or ubiquitously shared; instead, it is portrayed as an exceptional phenomenon, a rare commodity in the vast landscape of everyday communication. Many interactions in daily life are colored by social niceties, half-truths, omissions, or even direct falsehoods. Whether out of politeness, self-protection, or a desire to maintain harmony, people often avoid blunt honesty. This avoidance imbues truth-telling with an uncommon quality, setting it apart from the usual exchanges that characterize human interactions.

Because authenticity is seldom encountered, the act of articulating truth carries a distinct pleasure. To speak truth is to break through the fog of pretense, to touch upon something real and unadulterated. There is a sense of relief and even joy that accompanies expressing something genuine, both for the speaker and often for the listener. The delight stems not just from the act of telling, but from a recognition of the extraordinary nature of the moment, a moment where the barriers of convention, fear, or expectation are cast aside in favor of unvarnished reality.

Dickinson’s words also invite reflection on the courage and vulnerability requisite for truth-telling. To voice what is true may come with consequences, such as discomfort or conflict, especially in environments where honesty is unwelcome. Choosing to share truth, in spite of these risks, marks the act as something both brave and uplifting. The delight she references could be the soul’s response to integrity, a sense of alignment with one’s values and an affirmation of the self. Through this lens, truth is not only rare but precious, and its expression is as liberating as it is delightful, affirming honest communication as an act of subtle rebellion and profound human connection.