lying is like gambling, taking a bet. We are investing our livelihood on the possibility, usually small, of a specific future state, and often times how we get there. This, unfortunately, would render all other outcomes unfavorable. Suggesting that if this one thing didn't happen the way we wanted it to, then our situation is ultimately "bad." We sacrifice what we have now, in hopes of changing our situation for the better in the future. Also, remember that since only one outcome is favorable, the odds are always against us, a perpetually unfair situation. To sum it all up, we consider our situation relatively unsatisfactory, while only considering a single outcome as favorable, so all other possibilities become considerably worse alternatives than how we started in the first place! We lie in hopes that no one will find out, and if nobody discovers our lie, we have won the bet.
Honesty, or telling the truth, on the other hand, is to accept our current state. Not to attempt to change our situation in ways that imply we are unsatisfied with it. Instead, choosing to build upon where we are, and what we have without losing any possibilities. Seeing our immediate experiences as opportunities, rather than a place we must escape from. It is to confront
ourselves head on and examine carefully the things we have done and the decisions we have made. If we view all outcomes, whether it is some type of penalty or reward, as a chance to grow and learn from our experiences, then the reality of our situation becomes, and will always remain, good.
Now, it has been established that honesty is favorable in any situation as long as we are equipped with the appropriate mindset. But, is lying ever a profitable experience? Can lying be a beneficial activity for us to engage in? There are two possible outcomes to lying. The first is that our fabrications are exposed, and the second is that we successfully slip by under the guise of our own deceitful quilt.
First, to consider if we are discovered. We have lost the bet and will consider ourselves in a worse situation than before. One might argue that this in itself is a learning opportunity, however, this is only a learning opportunity if we are honest with ourselves and accept the situation we have created through our lies. If we continue to lie to ourselves and remain in denial, then we are still in this place of dissatisfaction and have also not learned anything.
Second, consider if we do win this bet against reality. Well, of course we will be happy with the result. Some may say that as long as you and the people involved are happy and satisfied, then there is nothing wrong with this. Some may say that it will either eventually catch up with you as you continue to weave the ever-thickening web of lies, or that true happiness lies in the confidence and contentment with ourselves as we are. I would say that any results, good or bad, will blind us. It does not matter so much that we are satisfied or not with the results of our actions, because reactions are withering notions, it is the creative, living attitude that that one should be concerned with. It is the mindset that we carry ourselves with day to day as we act in this world and make our decisions that is important. If you find yourself questioning whether you should lie about something or not ask yourself this question:
Do I want look at this world as a good place of opportunity and growth and to accept the reality of my situation and who I am and learn to be happy with myself and my own life as it is; or do I want to look at this world as an unfair and unsatisfactory place that I need to always try to sneak my way through and hope that reality does not catch up with me?
To Be or Not To Be, that is the question
thank you Shakespeare.
