How to differ valid, true and correct information from lies and propaganda in an era where we are flooded with information?

First of all, one needs to learn to discern between statements of “fact” and statements that are really opinion or viewpoint.

And then, one must discern what one considers to be responsible or accurate nessources. Even then one must be willing to confirm that fact from multiple sources.

If there is to be any plausible defense, it must lie in a sufficient and well rounded foundation of basic knowledge, requiring perpetual and life long enhancement. This being said, the problem then becomes filtering the deluge of sludge for the things that are pertinent. And this is why it matters so very much from which sources you acquire your information. There is no defense if the facts in your armory are in the main defective. So you want to “shop” for your information at reputable dealerships. There’s nothing wrong with perusing the shelves of the places notorious for peddling shiny junk, as long as you resist the urge to snatch up the crap because it’s simply cheap, gaudy or sensational.

In the end, where you shop and what you buy are questions of discernment. What you choose to carry around in your head is a reflection of the skills you either have or haven’t acquired through training and practice. As with anything, you get better at it to the degree that you lust for information.

Two ways…

1 – Digest extremely opposing views and be comforted in knowing that truth is always somewhere in the middle.

2 – Resist forming opinions. Just take it all in and let others have their opinions. Rejoice in understanding the opinions of others without ever forming your own… except upon events that you were directly involved with. And even then, be empathetic to contradictory viewpoints.

There are other methods. Learn human nature by comparting your own experiences to others who have studied it with a lifetime of unchallenged effort. Like Noam Chomsky and Wayne Dyer. Weigh their perspectives against any current affair and realize that human nature always follows predictable patterns. Use this understanding to read into thing deeper than a sound bite can communicate.

Investigate. Gather data. Seek out evidence.

When you read an article that says, “Politician XYZ voted no in four out of five cases” go look up the politician’s voting record. See if you can find where they said in their own words why they voted that way. Look up who donated to their campaign. Don’t count on a news crew or a“whistleblower” blog to do your investigation for you. Get on the Google machine and read. And then, make your own informed decisions.

Research for yourself.

Get information from reliable source, even some sources can be doubtful, especially from the government. Try out some internet websites that are known to dispense unbiased news.