"Can't we lie in day-to-day life?"

“I always tell the truth. Even when I lie” – Al Pacino

Most of us knew that funny quote.

 All of us know this not-so-funny truth:

“Lies are in multiples while truth is all alone;

Lies are in all hues while truth is just white;

Lies are all sweet while truth is ever bitter!”       

We come across all sorts of liars..er..your’s truly included!

  

Lying is one such malady that all humans fall prey to.

There of course, is an exclusive breed, who we know as ‘politicians’. Being ‘super-human’ or ‘sub-human’ whichever way you perceive them to be, are excluded from this little discussion.

We, normal humans can't escape the ‘bouts of guilt’ each time we lie!

We lie to escape inconvenience, embarrassment, work, responsibility, trouble or to protect self-interests.

We lie to escape loss, make undue profit and to escape shame or punishment.

We lie to deceive others, malign people, ruin lives and such malicious purposes.

We lie for vanity in an effort to falsely elevate ourselves and impress the people around. Some kids do this out of innocence. But we, grown-ups with low self-esteem suffer from this particular itch to lie, more so, with newer audiences. Though largely harmless, this habit further lowers our self-esteem, than enhancing any.  

Ironically, we lie to our own selves!

Lies are but lies whether white, black or whichever.

Lying is but lying whether occasional, frequent, habitual or compulsive.

Rarely we may lie for some good enough cause too, say, to benefit someone needy or to let go off the innocent unpunished. A worthy act indeed, though immoral in its strict sense! 

The question pertinent here is – Do the ends justify the means?

The unambiguous answer is a clear ‘No’. But a commandment in our scriptures provides for a certain exemption which says, “One may lie to save life, wealth or chastity.”

A great many change in social, religious and ethical perceptions occurred during the past many centuries. Moral values got modified in tune with the changing socio-economic scenarios.

Yet, if ever there were one value in this universe that stood the test of all times without undergoing the slightest transformation or trimming down, it is ‘truth’ and truth alone!       

One who attempts to distort truth is called a liar.

A liar had always been looked down upon in all ages and communities. Lying was considered to be one of the most depraved of sins.

Dilution of social and cultural norms, decline in personal virtues and decay of moral fabric in general, accelerated at such a pace over the past many decades, that no single sin or immoral act is despised the same way it used to be. All this is due to narrowed down general outlook and people turning more materialistic and individual-centric.

Except for a few concerned individuals and organizations, modern societies ceased to do anything worthwhile towards upholding existing values or arresting this degeneration.

Well, that’s about the general view of the prevailing scenario.

So, is there some way to press the brake-pedal on this downhill slide? What can, at an individual level, be attempted?

The only effective solution appears to be that parents and elders should instill in children, an appetite for epics, religious and moral stories and children’s literature. Whereby the kids can understand and start appreciating their culture and tradition well before they get whirl-winded in the world outside! Reading habit opens up their horizon and a strong enough foundation is laid for their intellect to flourish on, as they grow up.         

Now let us go about this interesting question, “Can’t we lie in day-to-day life?”

As a general rule we can’t, for the simple reason that we shouldn’t.

Does it not sound ludicrous, what with our societal circumstances and compulsions?

True, it sure does. After all, we do need general acceptance for our existence in society!

Every time we lie, we experience a stab of guilt to our conscience. So, shall we kill our conscience to appease people for acceptance?

No, we shan't.

How then?

Seek ways and means! Where there is intent, there always is a way!

Adaptation without surrender is the trick to be mastered!

It is all about guarding your integrity while being a part of this decadent society.

We are adept at balancing acts in our myriad everyday activities. So, here too, we can!

Churn your mental faculties….debate at length!

Arrive at certain ‘to-be-strictly-monitored exceptions’, as is allowed for any ‘general rule’!

Check if each exemption contemplated is acceptable to your conscience before you worry about societal acceptance.

Once you arrive at your own carefully chosen exemptions, go apply them in life with absolute conviction and resolve! Quite a tough job though!

The ultimate goal of this whole exercise is to set our minds guilt-free!

So, my answer to the question is, “Yes, we can lie....subject to....of course, you know what……