There has been an extensive discussion on the list about which of Strauss's remarks are to be taken to represent his real positions. I have tried with difficulty to keep up with them.  But I am starting to wonder whether I should bother.

It seems to me that the status of the conversation is this:

1. Strauss's private remarks cannot be taken as indicative of his true positions, because he said different things to different people. (Leave aside for the moment why he did this.)

2. Strauss's public writings cannot be taken as indicative of his true positions, for two reasons: in any particular case he might have been writing esoterically, and in any particular case he might have changed his mind after publication.

Therefore I conclude that we have no reliable indications of any kind regarding Strauss's true positions.

And I reply, so what?

Surely the question whether Strauss believed X is less important than the question whether X is true. The first question is for gossips and biographers; the second -- and only the second -- is for philosophers and those who love philosophy. After all, even if we knew for certain Strauss's true opinions on a subject, Strauss might have been wrong. So does it really matter how many layers there are to this onion called "Strauss's true, final opinions"?