In a world where threats to our well-being thrive, and responses to them increasingly take on extreme forms, how are we supposed to recognise truth from lies? What constitutes legitimate, or morally acceptable behaviour, when it comes to protecting ourselves from real or planned attacks? Here, we survey the ways that truth and lies are increasingly entwined and legitimised to support behaviour that is unjustifiable, from disaffected parties to Nation States, and all their legal and wordsmithing employees. We look at the work and wisdom of a globally respected, experienced and well-connected man who has spent decades working at the cutting-edge of eliciting truth from lies in pragmatic and successful ways. We conclude with a return to some humane principles and understanding about how to move forwards in today's often confused and aggressive climate, by respecting tried and tested practices. We welcome morally acceptable challenges from dissenters.