Oct 29, 2025

Facts: The Cornerstone of Great Diligence

PrinciplesResearch

Facts matter.

Fact, fiction and opinion, the definitions have not changed but our content environment has changed. So, as you navigate the content world, here is a reminder of the nature of facts.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.“

Proper Studies (1927) by Aldous Huxley

Facts are a cornerstone of diligence; you can’t escape facts and expect to conduct proper diligence. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to know if you are actually looking at a fact or a fiction (which if purposeful is a lie) or an opinion. There are many reasons for this including the:

  • rise of technology that allows everyone to author content and then publish to a global audience
  • nature of social media,
  • speed with which we are expected to work,
  • increasing scarcity of resources and corresponding reliance on free content,
  • globalization of misinformation and disinformation,
  • legitimate and illegitimate ways in which content can be monetized.

All these factor contribute to why it is so difficult to tell the difference between fact and fiction or opinion. I predict it is going to get worse as AI becomes more universal and criminals, criminal organization and governments become more adept at using AI. So what do we do? We remember the nature of facts and use that knowledge to become our own quality assurance professionals.

Below are some “Principles of Fact” that I believe are key to finding and using facts for successful diligence

“Principles of Fact”

There is such a thing as a fact, there is no such thing as an “alternative fact.”

A fact is a fact is a fact. Alternative facts do not exist. If there really is an alternative you are not dealing in facts but something else, perhaps an opinion, a fiction, a hypothesis. Designating content as an “alternative fact” is disinformation.

Facts have a definition. They are verifiable and grounded in evidence. Here is the definition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

1a: something that has actual existence – b: an actual occurrence

2: a piece of information presented as having objective reality

Facts have nothing to do with fiction and everything to do with transparency.

Fiction has its place — in literature — but not in diligence. If in the course of performing diligence you discover fiction that is a red flag. I strongly recommend that you evaluate what you have uncovered – what is going on – is it negligence or fraud, incompetence or criminal behavior? Fiction that arises in the course of your diligence work is at best a caution sign and more likely a stop sign.

An opinion is not a fact. It is an opinion.

Diligence work does have space for opinions. After all, reputation, product and service reviews, third party assessments, expert advice often contain a component of thought that is not fact but opinion. The key is to be able to distinguish the facts from the opinions so that you are properly evaluating and assessing each part of the content based on its nature.

Facts can change, as knowledge evolves and new information emerges. That’s the history of science.

But a claim that all facts are expendable or that fiction can replace fact is wrong. It is manipulative and meant to mislead. If anyone tries to argue that because humanity’s understanding of facts have changed over time (after all the world is not flat) there is no such thing as a fact – be cautious, this is a giant red flag.

Be suspicious of confusing content. Is hard to tell if it true or is it false?

Consider the source. Content that that seems to be confusing, blurry or evasive may be valuable content that is presented in a carelessness or unprofessional manner but it may also be presented that way on purpose. You need to assess what you are dealing with – again the ultimate question is – is it true or is it false?

If you’re not sure – that is okay – but do the work to find out. Research is a foundation of all great diligence.

It is time to hone your research skills. This means your ability to find information and to process, evaluate and make quick decisions around what you found. It also means becoming familiar with new technology and types of content. The web, social media platforms, AI, open source material, do you have a basic knowledge of how they work, what is possible, how can you verify content that you find in these places or using these tools. How are they being misused?

When someone tells you something is a fact—ask how they know. If necessary ask them to prove it.

You don’t take things at face value when you perform diligence. You look for proof and you make sure you understand what you find or are told. Expert opinions, experience, history are building blocks around core facts. Reputable sources (including people), provide you with those core facts so that you can understand the basis of their opinions and knowledge including any assertions of fact.

Facts aren’t about how much you know now, but about your willingness, courage, and persistence to seek information and clarity.

Diligence is about finding clarity. No one knows everything. The willingness to learn, understand, evaluate, assess, judge are powerful traits. Use your PAR diligence tools to guide you:

  • Plan
  • Act (research, analysis, synthesis)
  • Record

Attempts to suppress access to facts —by technology including AI, governments, organizations or individuals—are attempts control. Obscuring facts are a way to cause confusion. Diligence is about finding your way to clarity.

If your diligence leads you to a source, be it an individual, organization or government, and you find yourself confused, unsure, or going down the “rabbit hole” exercise the same caution you would in a dark, abandoned building – beware, be aware, get out and if needed call in reinforcements (for example, library services, legal, compliance, security).

Finally

Facts are powerful. History is full of examples of what happens when facts are ignored, hidden, or manipulated or replaced with fiction or opinion—everything from economic and cultural collapse to coercive government structures, fraud, war, genocide. That’s why individuals, organizations, and governments either align themselves with facts or attempt to obscure, manipulate or redefine them.

If you want to perform diligence you must align yourself with the facts.

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