What’s one thing that takes a long time to build, but merely moments to lose? Trust. It’s easy to erode trust. All you have to do is not tell the truth. See? Easy. That’s why must strive to be accurate and truthful with our words. When a lie gets mixed in with the truth, the lie dishonors and puts it under suspicion.
If one has a great memory, they can remember their lies, yet, most of us don't have this capability, in time, the web of lies will entangle their reputation and standing with others.
Useless politicians are masters at meaningless platitudes, where the foundation of the platitudes is built on deception and lies, but they know it sounds good and the ill-informed will eat it up like a starving junk yard dog, all in the name of power. the sad truth, humans have a short memory and 2 to 4 years down the road, the voters will eat the lies again, believing this time it will happen.
I tell the new young employees, "You can do a thousand right things, it only takes one bad decision to tear it all down, so be wise in your actions and your words, because in time, the truth always finds its way back."
On a side note: just bumped into your writings, I do like the cut of your jib. I'll be passing by every now and then to be inspired by your take on the conundrums of the world.
This is a great topic. I love Gandhi’s concise formulation.
I would append your statement in the final paragraph to say “if you don’t speak the truth of what you believe and feel, those around you will never know the true you, and neither will you.” The discovery that you are strong enough to handle the path the universe follows when you tell the truth is one indispensable element of a fully lived life. It’s not easy to be truthful, to others or ourselves. It requires vigilance and courage and it carries no guarantees. It can cost us a lot. The alternative? A life run by fear, and it’s just not worth it. Sometimes we have to learn this lesson the hard way.
Well said. I've been thinking a lot about hyperbole as a form of lying. It's so common, and even expected to show we feel strongly about something. But it takes us all further from the truth, and from self-respect. If I speak plainly, I'm not going to influence anyone, right?
If one has a great memory, they can remember their lies, yet, most of us don't have this capability, in time, the web of lies will entangle their reputation and standing with others.
Useless politicians are masters at meaningless platitudes, where the foundation of the platitudes is built on deception and lies, but they know it sounds good and the ill-informed will eat it up like a starving junk yard dog, all in the name of power. the sad truth, humans have a short memory and 2 to 4 years down the road, the voters will eat the lies again, believing this time it will happen.
I tell the new young employees, "You can do a thousand right things, it only takes one bad decision to tear it all down, so be wise in your actions and your words, because in time, the truth always finds its way back."
On a side note: just bumped into your writings, I do like the cut of your jib. I'll be passing by every now and then to be inspired by your take on the conundrums of the world.
I agree with your assessment but Katherine who's lying? 🙂
This is a great topic. I love Gandhi’s concise formulation.
I would append your statement in the final paragraph to say “if you don’t speak the truth of what you believe and feel, those around you will never know the true you, and neither will you.” The discovery that you are strong enough to handle the path the universe follows when you tell the truth is one indispensable element of a fully lived life. It’s not easy to be truthful, to others or ourselves. It requires vigilance and courage and it carries no guarantees. It can cost us a lot. The alternative? A life run by fear, and it’s just not worth it. Sometimes we have to learn this lesson the hard way.
I love your appended statement, wish I wrote it. It's a truth I've been discovering more and more lately. Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Well said. I've been thinking a lot about hyperbole as a form of lying. It's so common, and even expected to show we feel strongly about something. But it takes us all further from the truth, and from self-respect. If I speak plainly, I'm not going to influence anyone, right?
Excellent. Tell the truth — frankly or gently — as the circumstances dictate.