Empirical truth is based on evidence, research and reason. It is the truth that scientists seek. It is the truth that people seek when they want to achieve predictable results.

Empirical truth is hard to establish and can be inconvenient when it does not serve an immediate need. Politicians and other persuaders love it when it buttresses their policies, but they hate it when such truths point the other way.

Convenient truth is based on need, desire and emotion. It is the truth that deceivers seek. It is the truth that people seek when they want to be right when they suspect they are wrong. In relation to time, convenient truth is about now and worries little about the past or future.

Convenient truth is the truth of populist politicians and journalists, who seek to persuade without worrying too much about empirical truth. Convenient truth is established through confident repetition, assertion and sheer power.

I find it alarming and fascinating that all of us, no matter what your belief or background, tend to accept convenient truths as emperical.

When listening for truth, perhaps the best we can do is be cautious.