The Four-Way Test by Herbert J. Taylor

This is a test not only of the things that we say but as well as the things that we think and do. Four simple questions to consider to gauge our thoughts, words, and actions:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Only thoughts, words, and actions that pass the test are worth considering.

In The End, The Truth Will Always Make Things Right.

Things might get more difficult hereon, but that doesn't matter. 

What matters is peace of mind, the kind of peace that a person gets once he has already come to terms with everything that's happening in his life, and he tells himself he's all ready to face the world with all he's got.

There Are Some Truths That We Don't Want To Hear, But We Need To.

Some truths don't sound pleasing to the ears. Some of them, we don't want to hear at all.

Some speak of things we already know but are afraid to admit to ourselves, and we don't want to hear them because hearing them makes them all too real to ignore. 

Other truths contain things that we fear to hear because they speak of things we've long been trying to deny.

Others are scary because they try to bring to life issues we've long been trying to bury in the innermost recesses of our mind.

But... as always, the truth sets us free. The only way to be happy is to recognize them - never ignore and never deny. The first step is to hear them, and then accept them, and then deal with them... And then finally, be free.

Sometimes, We Have To Brave It And Just Let It All Out.

No pretense. No beating around the bush. No sugarcoating our words. Just the truth, plain and simple.

It's a risk, yes, because we never know what the outcome will be. It could be the end of everything, or it could be the beginning of something good.

But the best thing about it? We'll be able to walk away from the situation without ghosts of uncertainties haunting us. And then we can begin again.

There Are More Important Things Than Telling The Truth.

Such as preserving a friendship. Or refusing to hurt someone we care about.

Because as much as the truth can set us free, it can also change our world in an instant. It can take away the things that are most precious to us. It can cause pain, end relationships, and do all sorts of other evil things. These possibilities make the truth less important. 

Telling the truth ain't always the best choice. Sometimes, we have to allow a lie just so we can save the more important stuff. And then we have to forgive ourselves for that lie.