The Truth About Lies
general philosophy26 total reviews
Comment from adewpearl
Your opening observation definitely got my attention
extremely interesting musings on the nature of writing and of using words and of the way most people react to the truth as opposed to how they respond to lies
Most insightful and thought provoking :-) Brooke
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2014
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Your opening observation definitely got my attention
extremely interesting musings on the nature of writing and of using words and of the way most people react to the truth as opposed to how they respond to lies
Most insightful and thought provoking :-) Brooke
Comment Written 29-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 29-Aug-2014
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Thanks for the read and review. I do tend to become introspective based on life incidents.
Comment from Dustybones
People say in truth in order to indicate that you are giving your honest opinion about something, but that makes me think that they are in fact telling me a half truth. I wonder why that is so for me? Good Post!
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2014
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People say in truth in order to indicate that you are giving your honest opinion about something, but that makes me think that they are in fact telling me a half truth. I wonder why that is so for me? Good Post!
Comment Written 28-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 28-Aug-2014
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Thank you, for the stars and the comment. I agree, the preface to a comment always sounds like the speaker is admitting that everything he has said prior to this has been a lie.
I'm the same way with the word 'however,' as I expect everything afterwards to translate as ...I love you ...but.
Comment from dreamin'
Were you hiding somewhere in the cabin in North Carolina that I just got back from? Did you witness the meltdown I had with my older sister over this very thing?
"the responsibility to communicate lies with the speaker." I'm not sure I agree with that. I think if one does not take responsibility and truly listen, the words of the most eloquent speaker will be lost.
"Being called a liar is the most grievous of all accusations against me. When someone measures my truth against a clouded and emotionally charged fabrication, it's a signal that I have failed to communicate."
Now I know why I feel such a kinship with you.
Debbie
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2014
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Were you hiding somewhere in the cabin in North Carolina that I just got back from? Did you witness the meltdown I had with my older sister over this very thing?
"the responsibility to communicate lies with the speaker." I'm not sure I agree with that. I think if one does not take responsibility and truly listen, the words of the most eloquent speaker will be lost.
"Being called a liar is the most grievous of all accusations against me. When someone measures my truth against a clouded and emotionally charged fabrication, it's a signal that I have failed to communicate."
Now I know why I feel such a kinship with you.
Debbie
Comment Written 27-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 27-Aug-2014
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Well darling woman, as you no doubt understand, this essay was born from my own melt down, but mine was with my adult son to whom I've never lied to except about Santa. Even then, I told him if you stop believing, Santa no longer comes. And isn't that the truth?
Thanks for all the stars.
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That is the absolute truth. I hope things get better soon. Conflict with family members has never set well with me. I'm a fixer. Always want everyone to be happy. But my efforts to reconcile dwindle with those who refuse to own up and see the truth for what it is.
Comment from judiverse
Interesting insights on the subject. Your first paragraph really gets things started. A great comment about liars often being respected. We've seem that with some of our lying politicians. It sometimes seems the more lies they tell, the more popular they become. You're right about people clinging to what they want to believe, true or false. The people who write letters to the editor are quick to call those who disagree with them liars and worse. I agree that there are people who actually prefer lies to the truth, and certainly writers who advocate a certain point of view will find that their followers are willing to accept their version of the truth without hearing the other side. Reference to the Harry Chapin song makes a great ending. judi
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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Interesting insights on the subject. Your first paragraph really gets things started. A great comment about liars often being respected. We've seem that with some of our lying politicians. It sometimes seems the more lies they tell, the more popular they become. You're right about people clinging to what they want to believe, true or false. The people who write letters to the editor are quick to call those who disagree with them liars and worse. I agree that there are people who actually prefer lies to the truth, and certainly writers who advocate a certain point of view will find that their followers are willing to accept their version of the truth without hearing the other side. Reference to the Harry Chapin song makes a great ending. judi
Comment Written 26-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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Thanks. I miss Harry's story-telling.
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You're so welcome. You really had an interesting approach to lies and liars. Sometimes they do seem to get the better end of things. People who say what others don't want to hear, even if it's the truth, are often vilified. judi
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
to tell you the truth, there's only one person I can truly control when it comes to lying... me personally, I have a distorted view when it comes to malicious lies... and then I guess those little white lies can go in the grey-matter section... especially when it's used not to offend... but me personally, truth is my moral code... it hasn't always been, especially in my wild alcohol and drug fueled days, but for a good thirty years it has been my compass... the integrity you speak of, the worth of my entirety.
This is just another one of your magic conversations you translate so beautifully through written word... enjoyed every bit of it... always a true pleasure to be in your company... yeah, I know it's a story, but it's like your talking to me personally... and that's the true art of wordsmithery... what, not a word? Well it should bloody-well be! smile))))))))).
With our thoughts we create,
our destiny,
James xx
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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Hi Ingrid,
to tell you the truth, there's only one person I can truly control when it comes to lying... me personally, I have a distorted view when it comes to malicious lies... and then I guess those little white lies can go in the grey-matter section... especially when it's used not to offend... but me personally, truth is my moral code... it hasn't always been, especially in my wild alcohol and drug fueled days, but for a good thirty years it has been my compass... the integrity you speak of, the worth of my entirety.
This is just another one of your magic conversations you translate so beautifully through written word... enjoyed every bit of it... always a true pleasure to be in your company... yeah, I know it's a story, but it's like your talking to me personally... and that's the true art of wordsmithery... what, not a word? Well it should bloody-well be! smile))))))))).
With our thoughts we create,
our destiny,
James xx
Comment Written 26-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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You're right. The only thing we can change or control is ourselves. I'm glad you felt like I was talking to you. I was actually talking to me, writing it down, and hopefully find some understanding while writing.
Thanks for all the stars.
Comment from DALLAS01
Sometime I think the reason truth is not valued, is because most assume it is nothing more than the warped perspective of the person stating it. It seems that when stating what we believe to be the truth, one needs to be prepared to back it up with a ton of evidence to support it. And if it happens to an opinion, all bets are off as to how it might be perceived.
you have covered a lot of territory here. Your statement that lies are preferred to the truth because they tell us what we want to hear, is without a doubt, indisputable.
Really enjoyed this one, Ingrid.
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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Sometime I think the reason truth is not valued, is because most assume it is nothing more than the warped perspective of the person stating it. It seems that when stating what we believe to be the truth, one needs to be prepared to back it up with a ton of evidence to support it. And if it happens to an opinion, all bets are off as to how it might be perceived.
you have covered a lot of territory here. Your statement that lies are preferred to the truth because they tell us what we want to hear, is without a doubt, indisputable.
Really enjoyed this one, Ingrid.
Comment Written 26-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 26-Aug-2014
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Thanks for all the stars. This came about because of a conversation I was having with myself, all based on...your truth, my truth and the real truth. Separating opinion, using a sprinkling of examples that are valid and going to war with another in an effort to prove the most powerful manipulator.
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:.)
Comment from maggieadams
Wow, this came at an opportune time for me...I am writing my chapter and use some of your thoughts...I am writing about fight or flight, why people lie...I am writing about honesty...are we channeling each other? You are a wordsmith, no doubt...when given fifteen "new writing online" , I always choose to read you and mfowler first.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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Wow, this came at an opportune time for me...I am writing my chapter and use some of your thoughts...I am writing about fight or flight, why people lie...I am writing about honesty...are we channeling each other? You are a wordsmith, no doubt...when given fifteen "new writing online" , I always choose to read you and mfowler first.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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What a lovely compliment. I'll look for your take on truth, lies and delusions in your next post.
Comment from Erik McGinley
You know, I think you are wrong.
Most often it is the honest person who gets written off.
For being honest.
In my book, the same rule for all people. Noone gets to be just as they like, liar or not. Drop below the decency level and you get a kicking. That's the rule!
I read the bit about the xmas gifts and my immediate thought was: you also expect more credit for giving a gift that other people would have to pay more for.
The point of giving someone something is to make them happy! 5 pence or cents is no different from five pounds or dollars if you got the person something valuable.
I've never been good with knowing what people like. For me I spend my N worth trying to give them something that says I what I like about them. Eternally burdened by my mum thinking she knows it all.
Here's how well she knows us all. In the last 20 years, my dad has tried to pass on to me about half of the xmas gifts I got him, no matter whether my mum's opinion or mine won the day.
To answer your really nice essay in short: "integrity" is a great word.
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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You know, I think you are wrong.
Most often it is the honest person who gets written off.
For being honest.
In my book, the same rule for all people. Noone gets to be just as they like, liar or not. Drop below the decency level and you get a kicking. That's the rule!
I read the bit about the xmas gifts and my immediate thought was: you also expect more credit for giving a gift that other people would have to pay more for.
The point of giving someone something is to make them happy! 5 pence or cents is no different from five pounds or dollars if you got the person something valuable.
I've never been good with knowing what people like. For me I spend my N worth trying to give them something that says I what I like about them. Eternally burdened by my mum thinking she knows it all.
Here's how well she knows us all. In the last 20 years, my dad has tried to pass on to me about half of the xmas gifts I got him, no matter whether my mum's opinion or mine won the day.
To answer your really nice essay in short: "integrity" is a great word.
Comment Written 25-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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Hey, no, I think we're on the same page. Truth tellers do get pooped upon, often called rude, abrasive and uncouth. Thanks for sharing your views.
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btw - all of that verbiage meant that I got into your story enough to reply to it with my own opinions.
IMO - that means it does what you wanted and is good for that :)
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I've always been a dunce with acronyms...IMO...okay...in my opinion? Yes, I knew we were on the same page. Thanks again.
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btw - by the way
imo - in my opinion (a bit like how they use pov here on fs)
I hope I was reading your last reply correctly as humourous. It's how I took it anyway. Always nice to get a smile :)
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always
Comment from Nosha17
Very well-written commentary, and I am in total agreement with you. 'Integrity' is the word you chose and I always say I can judge a person by their integrity. Politicians used to have integrity, very rarely nowadays. Applied to the general population, also. Good use of descriptive language, concise viewpoints and a flowing, enjoyable read. Faye
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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Very well-written commentary, and I am in total agreement with you. 'Integrity' is the word you chose and I always say I can judge a person by their integrity. Politicians used to have integrity, very rarely nowadays. Applied to the general population, also. Good use of descriptive language, concise viewpoints and a flowing, enjoyable read. Faye
Comment Written 25-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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Thanks so much.
Comment from padumachitta
Hi. Excellent essay and points. And sadly true.
I get called 'abrasive, lacking in compassion(pardon), agressive...and well other things less nice, bitch often'...only because I tend to say the truth about something, or rather my observation...not my feelings or thoughts(because that is filtered through my own shit and I admit to them)
I do not want to piss people off...but why sugar coat something?
Oh well...there is a balance...but,
a liar is a liar...and when caught out there are no excuses...but, politicians lie all the time...and the Clergy, and other leaders and getaway with it...so where do we start...?
anyway, you can see by my comments you are making me think..and look at my actions and be aware...and so
your writing does what good writing should, in my opinion, help the reader to process the world...
padumachitta
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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Hi. Excellent essay and points. And sadly true.
I get called 'abrasive, lacking in compassion(pardon), agressive...and well other things less nice, bitch often'...only because I tend to say the truth about something, or rather my observation...not my feelings or thoughts(because that is filtered through my own shit and I admit to them)
I do not want to piss people off...but why sugar coat something?
Oh well...there is a balance...but,
a liar is a liar...and when caught out there are no excuses...but, politicians lie all the time...and the Clergy, and other leaders and getaway with it...so where do we start...?
anyway, you can see by my comments you are making me think..and look at my actions and be aware...and so
your writing does what good writing should, in my opinion, help the reader to process the world...
padumachitta
Comment Written 25-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 25-Aug-2014
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You're right. Reading thoughts allows one to process and decide in a neutral state how the words or theme resonates with one's own ideas. Thanks for reading and sharing.
