The meaning of "The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling," particularly in the context of the provided reference, refers to an approach to writing that highlights its function as a reliable external memory and historical record.
Understanding the Concept
Based on the reference, the phrase points to the role of writing in preserving information and knowledge.
Writing as a Repository
The reference states that "The Truth of Fact, the Truth of Feeling" describes an approach to writing that:
- Acts as a repository of information: Writing stores knowledge outside of a single person's memory.
- Circumvents oral transmission: Unlike history or knowledge passed down purely by word of mouth (which can be subject to change or forgetting), writing creates a more permanent record.
- Creates a reliable record: Writing establishes a source of information that is considered more or less reliable and immutable compared to memory or oral tradition.
In essence, this concept suggests that writing allows for a more stable and accessible form of "truth" by capturing facts and potentially feelings (as part of a historical or personal record) in a way that human memory or oral storytelling alone cannot achieve as reliably or permanently. It emphasizes the power of the written word to store, preserve, and transmit knowledge across time and independent of individual recollection.
For example, ancient texts, historical documents, or even personal diaries serve as written repositories that offer insights into past events, ideas, and emotions. They represent a truth captured outside the fleeting nature of individual memory.
