[HPforGrownups] Veritaserum

[jeri]

No: HPFGUIDX 29883

<< My impression on Veritaserum is that it forces you to
tell the truth *as you see it!* >>

Interesting...for what is the truth, really, other than our own
interpretations of what we see? It's quite a common theme, actually.

If there are any X-Philes on this list, think about "Jose Chung's _From
Outer Space_"...the whole episode is based on the fact that while everyone
is telling their version of the truth, no two people experienced the events
the same way.

Another television allusion could be to the Seinfeld episode where Jerry
dates the cop and undergoes a lie detector test to see if he's been lying
about never watching Melrose Place. George says to Jerry, just before Jerry
leaves to take the test, "Remember, it's not a lie if *you* believe it."

It's things like that are the reason eye witnesses aren't always the best
evidence, and why lie detectors aren't allowed in US courts. The truth is
really subjective. Several times I've faked an illness to get out of school
for a day (and come on, who hasn't?), and actually made myself sick because
I've believed it as the truth. The mind has an amazing capacity for letting
us see only what we want to see.

jeri
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"Before we begin, I would like to say a few words. And they are: Nitwit!
Blubber! Oddment! Tweak! Thank you!"    -- Albus Dumbledore