They Said I’m Brutally Honest: Chronicles of My Naked Truth, Whether You Like It or Not is not a book. It’s a weapon, and Ricky Firman wields it without mercy. Society is a rotting carcass of lies and self-deception, and Ricky drags it into the light, not to save it, but to dissect it for your viewing discomfort. You won’t find salvation here. You’ll find ashes, ruin, and a mirror so cold it freezes your soul.
This is a book for those who’ve seen the darkness in the world—and in themselves—and are desperate enough to keep staring. Ricky eviscerates the myths of morality, exposes the cowardice of humanity, and lays bare the horrifying truth: everything is a lie, and the only honest thing we can do is admit it.
Don’t expect hope. Don’t expect meaning. Expect the uncomfortable realization that you are complicit in the very hypocrisy you despise. You’re part of the problem. We all are. And there is no fixing it.
So, go ahead. Open the book. Just remember: truth isn’t a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the train coming straight for you. And once you see it, there’s no way to unsee it.
Ricky Firman is anything but a typical Indonesian. A seasoned international corporate lawyer with over three decades of experience helping close high-profile deals across the Asia Pacific, Ricky’s life and worldview defy societal expectations in every way. Born and raised in Indonesia, he proudly identifies as a non-religious liberal, unafraid to challenge deeply ingrained norms and confront uncomfortable truths.
An insatiable reader and sharp-witted writer, Ricky’s work blends dark comedy with a level of honesty few dare to express. Despite his legal background, his writing steers clear of courtrooms and contracts, focusing instead on the brutal realities of life, delivered with unapologetic cynicism. His memoir draws from his bold, controversial #RFnotes posts—raw, unfiltered thoughts that once stirred debate on his now-deleted Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Ricky’s unorthodox perspective is shaped by a life marked by significant personal struggles, including a turbulent past that he has used as fuel to confront hypocrisy and injustice without compromise. His forthcoming project, Brutal Truth About Indonesia, promises to shed light on issues often swept under the rug.
At home, Ricky enjoys a quieter side of life, spending time with his wife, Sofia, and their lively dogs. Whether in his career or writing, Ricky’s life is a testament to courage, intellect, and an unrelenting commitment to speaking the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.