The Truth Will Set You Free - Maybe

The Truth Will Set You Free - Maybe

On a scale of 1 to 100 what percentage do you score in telling the truth over the last year? On a scale of 1 to 100 what percentage do you score in telling the truth over the last 10 years? On a scale of 1 to 100 what percentage do you score in telling the truth over your entire adult life?


If you rated yourself 100% in all three categories you are either a saint, a major bull shitter or someone that is so out of touch with themselves that you actually believe you always tell the truth. If you rated yourself less than 50% in all three categories you are either a con artist, a contributor to Wikipedia, someone who has never been able to sustain a relationship with anyone, a high level politician or someone who is either in jail or will be there soon.


If I'm honest with myself, I would rate my level of truth at 97% in the last year, 90% in the last 10 years and 70% over my entire adult life. The reason my score is so high in the last 10 years is because, as a retired senior, I have the confidence to tell it like it is. I probably have had a few minor lies by omission, but never looked someone in the face and lied.


However, I can't give myself a better grade than 70% over my adult life. The reason is because in business I was in sales and marketing for a long time. There is no way to be the best in those jobs without telling a few white lies. Even in my Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) job I did some lying by omission to be able to negotiate a good deal for my company.


Lastly, I had two wives and two children. My relationship with my two wives was not very good and telling a few minor lies was the only way to keep the marriage together. Regarding the kids, you have to lie to them when their young because they will feel they're not on stable ground if you don't. Young kids ask a million questions. Some of them if answered correctly would scare the crap out of them.


For example, you wouldn't tell a small child you have breast cancer. You wouldn't tell a small child you might have to give up your house because you're bankrupt. You wouldn't tell a small child he doesn't have the IQ to go to a private school. You wouldn't tell a small child you can't stand his father. I could go on and on, but lying to a child is many times a necessity.


OK, so what are your scores? Are you being honest with yourself? Do you lie to get out of a dinner you don't want to go to? "I can't make your dinner because I got food poisoning yesterday." "I can't drive the 60 miles to your house because I hurt my back yesterday." Do you lie because you don't want to hurt someone's feelings? "You look great in that (ugliest outfit I've ever seen) outfit." "Your new hair cut makes you look younger (even though it's a style from the fifties).


What about your moral compass? Would you lie so you don't have to go to jail? Would you lie so you can get money from a friend? Would you lie to your wife about your six month affair? Would you lie to the IRS to get a bigger refund? Would you lie to a business partner? Would you lie to enhance your ego?


The bottom line is that some lies are necessary, however most lies are not. These little white lies will catch up to you. Once you get into a lie there is no going back. By doing so, your small lie could turn into a bigger and bigger lie to defend the original lie. Telling the truth should be your primary objective. If you feel you have to lie, make sure you understand the ramification to both the other person and yourself.


Truth can set you free. Lying can eat away at you inner core. Knowing you're a liar will impair your happiness. Being caught in a lie will ruin your trust. Sooo, tell the fat ass his outfit looks ridiculous. Tell your good friend you just don't want to drive 60 miles to see her. Tell your wife you're having an affair because your marriage is just not working.


What's the worst that will happen? Your friend will still be your friend. The fat ass needs to know he shouldn't go out in public in that outfit. He might even thank you. Your marriage might end and that could be the new start in your life you have been hoping for.

Truth begets truth. Lies beget lies. Truth is a major part of your moral compass. Having a strong moral compass is the best gift you can give yourself.