“And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free” is from the Gospel of John 8:32. “The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable” is often credited to U.S. President John A. Garfield (1831-1881), but he never said it. Others credit Mark Twain (1835-1910). Still others credit Gestalt therapist Barry Stevens (1902-1985) in 1977.
Prophets are sometimes presented to us as people able to predict the future. In fact, they are more known for telling the truth to people who do not want to hear it, which is why they are often killed. Truth demands change, so it is often assiduously avoided by people who are quite satisfied with the status quo.
The Truth Will Set You Free - The Truth Can Settle the Unsettled
This part of the quote highlights the power of truth to liberate us. When we face the truth—whether about ourselves, others or situations—we are no longer trapped by lies, denial, or confusion. Truth can free us from self-deception, guilt, fear, or even toxic situations. It allows for personal growth and healing, which ultimately leads to freedom. Think of it as the freedom that comes from no longer hiding from reality. It’s empowering and brings clarity.
But First It Will Make You Miserable - The Truth Can Unsettle the Settled
The second part of the quote acknowledges that facing the truth can be incredibly painful at first. Because it demands change, it is not gentle and and thereby destabilizes the establishment and its institutions. It may force us to confront uncomfortable realities about ourselves or the world around us. For example, we may have to face mistakes we’ve made, the consequences of our actions, or difficult situations that we’ve been avoiding. The “misery” comes from the emotional discomfort of confronting these hard truths. It may involve feelings of regret, guilt, sadness, or disappointment.
However, this initial discomfort is seen as a necessary part of the process. In order to move forward and be truly free, we must go through the difficult experience of acknowledging what is true, no matter how painful it may be.
In essence, The quote speaks to the paradox of truth. While the truth is ultimately a source of liberation, it often requires us to go through discomfort, challenge, or hardship before we can fully embrace it. The “miserable” phase is temporary, and once we have processed the truth, we can experience emotional freedom and growth. It’s an empowering reminder that facing difficult truths is essential for long-term healing and freedom, even though the journey may be tough at first.
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