In class, we are studying Greek mythology. Even though myths were created to help explain something in nature, they still contain universal truths through their creative and imaginative story telling. There are many verities found in literature which is, in itself, an important reason to not only read, but to learn necessary and ethical lessons for living an authentic life.
Verity is a word with origins in the Anglo-French language- verite, and going back even further to the Latin origins, veritos, from verus or "true." As a noun, it means the quality or state of being true or real, a statement that is true; especially in the sense of fundamental and inevitably true values like honor or love (Merriam-Webster.com).
In the myth, "Pygmalion and Galatea", the sculptor, Pygmalion, who despised women, was ultimately deceived into thinking that beauty, even though an outward facade, was true love. However, he based it on just the appearance of his attractive creation of a sculpted woman made of ivory. According to Edith Hamilton's version, "The supreme achievement of art was his, the art of concealing art." Eventually, Pygmalion was so miserable with the lack of realness in his creation he had to pretend that the relationship was actual and true...when, in fact, he was being dishonest and duped.
Truth matters...time cannot change the very being of it. Plato contended, moral values, like goodness, virtue, and justice, are "objective realities" that exist outside of individuals and are not dependent upon a person's perception or opinion. Too many times we mistake, like Pygmalion, our subjective wishes and personal views for what is real or actual. These moral values (and others) stand alone as verity. False, insincere, and disingenuous words and deeds will be disclosed as such because as Sophocles said, "A lie never lives to be old---Time sees and hears all things, and discloses all."
The lessons learned through literature and story help us find, in our search, the eternal verities of life. The genuine essence of what is true and real will not only be necessary in leading a meaningful life, but an enduring one.