Many people are stuck on the idea that it’s either all or nothing. They see the question as “Is a lie better than the truth?” If I were to ask this question, the answer would be obvious, but that question is not the question we are looking at. The question we all need to look at is whether a lie soothes better than a truth that hurts.
Sophomore Eva Restrepo said, “It depends on the situation you are in. When it comes to people’s feelings in an emotional setting, it may be better to hide part of the truth than hurt their feelings.”
I agree with Restrepo, in SOME circumstances I may lie to make the other person feel better about themselves. You may see it differently, like Senior Ayshe Simsek, who believes it doesn’t matter if you are sparing someone’s feelings; they deserve the truth.
I believe that it is not that simple. Yes, they deserve the truth, everyone does, but do they need it? Will it benefit them if they know everything?
The definition of a truth is an accordance with fact and reality, while the definition of a lie is an intentionally false statement. Sometimes you have to make an intentionally false statement to help the other person.
When lies stem from a place of kindness, to help maintain another person’s healthy well-being, then these lies are considered better. If your friend was very passionate about a far-fetched idea that you did not think was realistic, you would still support them because that is what a good friend does.
I am not saying that you should always lie to feel good about yourself. I am saying assess the situation you are in and see if you think a lie that soothes is better than a truth that hurts?
This quote is to send a message that sometimes saying something untrue but comforting is better than a malicious truth. You may not agree with my thinking that the truth is always better, which is an aspect of a fixed mindset. You are not thinking about the different circumstances that come with a truth and a lie. I am extremely close with my God, and I know it is horrible to lie, but at the same time, my job on earth is to be the best person I can be and encourage people when it matters.
I have been in a few situations where I chose to tell a small white lie to make the person I am talking to feel better. If your friend was so excited about the new hairstyle she tried and you thought it wasn’t that cute, would you tell her?
Just because you lie doesn’t mean you put others in a false place of living in falsehood. It gives you the option to support and help your friends without your own opinion getting in the way.
Mostly, I believe it is okay to lie in opinion-based questions, not when it comes down to reality. Morality has a fine line, just like the fine line between a truth and a lie.
I believe if it is a small lie, then that is okay, but I am not saying to make people believe in a false reality or a suffering that is not true. I am saying that lies and truths are not all or nothing. It isn’t better to always tell the truth or to always lie. You can’t have the all-or-nothing mindset because it’s not all or nothing. Tell the truth, will the big circumstance, but think about your circumstances, is it better to soothe someone with a small lie or tear them down with your own opinion?
