RE: The Greatest Gift You Can Give and Receive: Truth
I've been burned so hard countless times by telling the truth.
I'm reminded right now of Ricky Gervais' movie The Invention of Lying. Spoiler Alert: The ultimate lie he creates is religion. Other than that, the entire movie is a great example of all the situations where telling the truth is incorrect.
The world isn't black and white. Of course, I agree with a lot that is said here, but I think it's super idealistic and ignores the dynamics of reality.
"Do you think I'm pretty?"
"Do you know why I pulled you over?"
"What makes you qualified for this job?"
There are some conversations where the truth is irrelevant. That's why we have politics. I didn't make the rules. I hate the rules, but reality doesn't change because of hopes, dreams, and emotions. Hopefully we get there one day eh?
You can find someone pretty or not, so what? Some people are better looking than others.
Be honest if you want to uphold integrity, even when you did something wrong. Now, for traffic violations, there can be a justified reason, as many are there to prevent people from engaging in behavior that increase the potential to harm others. Speeding has that potential, but some speed limits are a joke.
Lying to to the embodiment of something wrong is doing something right, as the wrong will nail you for not adhering to something wrong. Admitting we did something in a deluded system can mean we get punished fro not doing anything wrong. Smoking cannabis for instance. Lie to the evil empire, and prevent yourself from being swept up in its madness.
Qualified for a job? If you aren't then don't make shit up. Be honest, don't lie.
In general, don't lie. It's obvious. Yes there are nuances to understand.
What's your stance on little white lies? Would you lie to someone to make them feel better?
No. I don't like to appease people by spreading falsity.