It is late November, a winter chill has arrived. The “wintery mix,” a covering of fine ice crystals and rain is a reminder that the tilt of the earth’s axis away from the sun means winter is sure. That is the truth. What is meant by winter can be counted upon, preparation ought to be made. Preparation you say? Do I possess sufficient ice melt to keep the walk and entry way safe?

The writer affirms that truth is a matter of doing, of thought about what one intends to convey by our action. Granted our method of education allows no time for such open-ended inquiry. Cut to the chase, take every STEM course offered, and “lean in” and sell yourself on the college entrance application, etc., etc. However that there’s time for other language games is never questioned:

What am I really doing,
and what do I mean by doing it?

That is the question of truth which is not taught
under our present system of education,
and consequently not asked,
because there is no time for it.

On the other hand,
we have always time and inclination
for talking nonsense with children,
rather than telling them the truth;

for flattering women
who will later on be mothers,
rather than telling them the truth;

and for speaking with young men
about their future and their pleasures,
rather than about the truth!

You ask, what difference does any of this make? Given the “big picture” – that is, the eons of time involved in the birth and death of galaxies.  Nietzsche, following your line of inquiry replies, perhaps but…

…it matters as little to us
as it does to the wave
to know how and whither it is rolling!

No, it might even be wisdom
not to know it.

“Agreed; but
it shows a want of pride
not even to inquire into the matter;
our culture does not tend to make people proud.”

“So much the better!”

“Is it really?”

The Dawn Of Day by Friedrich Nietzsche, trans, by J. M. Kennedy, aphorism 196

All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan, performed by U2