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Trim to Truth is a newsletter with the motto: books, notes, dialogue. And more specifically, respectful dialogue, with an emphasis on positive thinking.
This newsletter is for those interested in lifelong learning, especially by way of reading books and discussing books—often nonfiction, but occasionally fiction.
But much more than a book discussion forum, Trim to Truth is a place where I suggest positive ideas that I hope, will help us, our families and our communities move toward our longterm goals.
“Trim” is a play on the activity of trimming a sail; to increase a sailboat’s speed toward a specific destination. It’s a metaphor for adjusting our beliefs and habits, allowing us to move more rapidly and efficiently toward our longterm goals, whatever those maybe.
Trimming often means making small adjustments to changing circumstances. For example, the boat might need maintenance. The wind might change direction or speed. Obstacles might emerge in our path. Our destination might change. The sailor might rest. Other sailors might board or unboard.
Trimming is a verb, comprised of at least three actions. The first is to sense the shape of the sail, the second to determine how to adjust the sail, and the third to adjust the sail. In determining how to adjust the sail, we look for truth in the shape of the sail, or in the telltales on the sail.
In addition to these actions there are various methods of trimming. We usually decide in advance how trimming will be performed, but sometimes things go wrong and we need to adjust our method.
Trimming is also a skill that requires discipline. It can be done poorly, or done with great attention and skill. It is learned through theory and practice.
Complicating all of this are changing conditions, multiple responsibilities and various distractions.
Other examples of trimming include: trimming hair, trimming weight, trimming a bush, trimming edges to fit a pattern, trimming the airfoils of an airplane, and trimming a surfboard. All of these have in common - feedback loops involving an action fed by judgment. What other examples come to mind?
These examples of trimming can be divided into two groups. One group are those involving movement through a fluid—air or water—of some vehicle. The others involve the removal of material from some object. Both groups have in common the action of making small adjustments in order to reach some goal.
“Truth” is even more complicated than trim. I’ll share more on that later.
Trim to Truth is about making longterm improvements to our lives, often through better incentives and always through learning and respect.
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