The Average Truthfulness Of A Person

[sttop_sti]

How honest is the average person? That is the question I've been pondering and I've expressed in my latest writing. I'll post it below and love to hear some discussion points on it. also below it I will post my blog that I posted it on.

The Burden of Truth
To tell the truth is the hardest thing us as human beings can attempt. It takes unmeasurable courage to speak what is true. The righteous and the lawful would have us believe we are alone in this burden, and many times in the past we have believed their conviction. We have internalized this guilt while those who have pointed blame indulge in their own fabrications, ignorantly believing they are truthful. No longer shall I carry this burden upon my shoulders like Atlas elevating the sky so boorish frauds can masquerade around as prophets of truth. I am a liar, I struggle everyday to be honest and truthful. I wrestle with my mind and I try my hardest not to contradict what I feel, even if it hurts; I will find truth in my thoughts and I will speak it!


Be honest with your heart and recognize the truth, you are a liar too.

-JRP

http://prophetoverprofit.blogspot.com/2011/02/burden-of-truth.html

[BeamishBoy]

Interesting points. I'll say a few of my thoughts on the subject...

When I read the first and second sentences of your argument I was immediately struck. I like to think that people are generally truthful. Then I thought about it a little. While I like to think that I tell the truth in general, there are countless times every day when I choose to stress one part of a story or gloss over something that may be important. Some things I have said enough times that I start to believe them. Why do I lie? Maybe to be funny or joke about someone. Maybe I don't want someone to know something. But what is consistent is that they are all minor. Lies slip in to conversation without our even noticing. So I'll change what you said to match my beliefs: It is not courageous to speak what is true on any one subject, if randomly chosen. It is courageous to tell the truth all the time. But, in any case, would we want a society where everyone only says the truth?

Two thumbs up for "boorish frauds," though. 

BeamishBoy

[Woo]

I think there are many, many far more difficult things that people do. On a regular basis. I understand your sentiment in all this, but I don't find honesty difficult. I often omit things, if I don't trust someone or if I don't want to have to explain something. But usually I'll just tell them that I'd rather not go into it at that time. I hope I'm not interpreted as a boorish fraud, masquerading as a prophet of truth. Often, I don't see the point in lying. A little discomfort in honesty now could save a lot of difficulty later when the lies are unraveled.


In the last 7 day period, I've told two lies. Though one I have told a number of times.
The first would be "No, I'm not tired at all." This was to my boyfriend, during an hour long phone call at one in the morning while I had my face half buried in a pillow. Repercussions: I was exhausted at work the next day, but in an exceptionally good mood for having had the conversation. No one else was hurt. I deem this acceptable.

The second would be "I'm just fine." To an assortment of close friends when asking in regards to a delicate family situation. Repercussions: None as of yet, though I'm sure it'll catch up on me.


I don't struggle with myself over this.


Though I do understand your point and ideas, and think you've worded them clearly, concisely, and with style.