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The Dangers of “My Truth”

"My Truth" Can Be a Dangerous Mindset

The Dangers of “My Truth”

The phrase “my truth” has gained significant traction in today’s discourse. It’s everywhere—on TV, in articles, across social media, and even in face-to-face conversations. This expression embodies a personal perspective that someone feels strongly about. While it promotes individuality and personal narratives, it can also contribute to misunderstandings and figurative myopia.

Subjectivity Over Objectivity

“My truth” often prioritizes personal experience over objective fact. While individual stories can be powerful, they do not always align with broader reality. When people present their truths as absolutes, factual information can be obscured, omitted, or manipulated, leading to misunderstandings. Personal experiences might be valid in discussions about social issues, but they shouldn’t negate comprehensive data or research that provides a fuller picture of the subject at hand.

This is particularly relevant in self-defense and fighting. Just because something “worked” in a very specific context does not mean it is repeatable or even coachable. Teaching effective self-defense requires recognizing broader patterns and verified principles, rather than relying on anecdotal success stories.

Validation of Misinformation

With the rise of social media, the phrase “my truth” can sometimes lend unwarranted legitimacy to false narratives. We’ve all seen this happen—people constructing personal truths that manipulate or ignore facts, leading to a culture where misinformation spreads rapidly. This is especially dangerous in politics, health, and science, where accurate information is essential for informed decision-making.

The same problem exists in the self-defense and fighting space. However, verifiable data in our industry is much harder to come by, making it particularly vulnerable to manipulation. Without careful scrutiny, misinformation can shape training methodologies and beliefs, often at the expense of effectiveness and safety.

Marginalization of Others’ Experiences

When someone asserts “my truth,” it can unintentionally dismiss the realities of others. While personal experiences are vital, they should not be weaponized to invalidate or silence different perspectives. Meaningful dialogue depends on understanding multiple viewpoints.

On social media, “my truth” is often used as a conversational shield—an attempt to end discussion and secure the last word. In martial arts, this frequently manifests as an extension of the “appeal to authority” fallacy, where individuals adopt the “truth” of a perceived expert to shut down debate rather than engaging in open dialogue.

Impediment to Growth and Learning

Rigid adherence to “my truth” can create barriers to self-reflection and growth. If individuals are unwilling to consider external feedback or evidence, they may stagnate rather than evolve. Growth comes from challenging assumptions, engaging with differing viewpoints, and being open to new information.

This is especially evident when comparing traditional martial artists with those practicing modern styles and systems. The latter often recognize the need for outside influences and evolution, while the former may resist change under the guise of preserving “truth.”

Conclusion

Personal experiences and perspectives are important, but they should not overshadow objective reality. Striking a balance between validating individual narratives and acknowledging verifiable facts fosters healthier dialogue and a deeper understanding of both topics and people. Cultivating open-mindedness and curiosity should be an ongoing effort—one that extends beyond simply disengaging from unproductive conversations. Instead, we should actively seek discussions that challenge us, encourage critical thinking, and drive personal and collective growth.

About the Author

Ryan Hoover Ryan Hoover is the owner of Fit to Fight® Gastonia and Fit to Fight® Charlotte. He is also the founder of the Fit to Fight® affiliate organization. He holds a 2nd degree black belt in Krav Maga and is a black belt in BJJ. He has co-author of three books on Krav Maga and is recognized by the state of North Carolina as a Subject Matter Expert in addition to playing a critical role in developing defensive tactics and training curricula for law enforcement at the state level. Helping people healthier, safer lives is Ryan’s driving force. He has trained professional athletes, military and law enforcement officers, actors, stay-at-home moms and dads, and busy professionals all around the world. (including James Anderson (NFL) and Tracy Spiridakos (Actress)).