Truth, I have learned, differs for everybody. Just as no two people ever see a rainbow in exactly the same place - and yet both most certainly see it, while the person seemingly standing right underneath it does not see it at all - so truth is a question of where one stands, and the direction one is looking in at the time.
The quote from Iain M. Banks' "Inversions" highlights the subjective nature of truth. It suggests that truth is not a universal constant, but rather a personal perspective shaped by one’s experiences and viewpoint. Just as two observers may perceive a rainbow from different angles, each interpretation is valid, reinforcing that truth is often influenced by individual circumstances.
This metaphor emphasizes that our understanding of reality can vary widely depending on where we stand and how we choose to interpret our surroundings. It encourages readers to appreciate differing viewpoints and recognize that what one person sees may be completely different from another's experience, all while still being real and significant in its own right.
