I just lied to someone. It isn’t my intention to do so, but I had to. Why lie? People lie for many reasons: to deny mistakes, to protect others, to enhance egos, to avoid punishments, to get a reward, to save time, to protect information, to get an attention, to preserve sanity, an endless list where various infinite reasons lie, but all stands on the desire to maximize benefit or minimize harm. In my case, to minimize harm that is to avoid an argument. So, in situations similar to this, are lies considered immoral? I quite agree that lies are at all times immoral as it affects the power and freedom of making a rational decision, but to what extend should one remain honest when being dishonest would be of better option?
The saying, “honesty is the best policy” doesn’t quite apply to all situations where at times; “dishonesty is the best policy”. How ironic it is for us to teach the young that in whatever situation, honesty is all that matters..but we ourselves ended up lying either big or small in almost everyday, perhaps every hour if not between minutes. Religion, culture and society deliberately teach us to abide with or to devote ourselves with theory of honesty throughout lives. Unfortunately, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity and profession the conflicting messages about honesty are very well practised. Earlier today, I was caught in a deceitful situation where it involves someone with a highly professional occupation, but in a difficult situation perfect honesty may seem second best next to values like compassion, respect, and justice.
There are many reasons and many ways to lie. Fortunately, through training and practices there are ways to learn to cut through these deceptions…
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/11/03/detecting-lies-trust-tech_06trust_cx_ee_1103lies.html
http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies.php
http://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Lies
Frequently, choosing to lie is a serious gamble with integrity. Behind every lie, there is a big cost to pay for. The consequences of being caught isn’t a pleasing achievement after all, winning the trust again isn’t an easy task than what it takes for a simple lie…
The saying, “honesty is the best policy” doesn’t quite apply to all situations where at times; “dishonesty is the best policy”. How ironic it is for us to teach the young that in whatever situation, honesty is all that matters..but we ourselves ended up lying either big or small in almost everyday, perhaps every hour if not between minutes. Religion, culture and society deliberately teach us to abide with or to devote ourselves with theory of honesty throughout lives. Unfortunately, regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity and profession the conflicting messages about honesty are very well practised. Earlier today, I was caught in a deceitful situation where it involves someone with a highly professional occupation, but in a difficult situation perfect honesty may seem second best next to values like compassion, respect, and justice.
There are many reasons and many ways to lie. Fortunately, through training and practices there are ways to learn to cut through these deceptions…
http://www.forbes.com/technology/2006/11/03/detecting-lies-trust-tech_06trust_cx_ee_1103lies.html
http://www.blifaloo.com/info/lies.php
http://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Lies
Frequently, choosing to lie is a serious gamble with integrity. Behind every lie, there is a big cost to pay for. The consequences of being caught isn’t a pleasing achievement after all, winning the trust again isn’t an easy task than what it takes for a simple lie…
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