There is this guy in my family, who is very professional in lying. I used professional just to shows his expertise in telling lying. Trusting on any of his words is alwsys dicey. He lies so smartly that many a times people get fooled. Even I fell into his trap number of times. Even his family member admits that lies flows into his blood vessel. I am not sure what he gets by telling so much lie, people who begin to figure out his approach starts to distant themselves. Even I lowered my interaction with him. I admit lying is an Art and not everyone is comfortable in it. Especially when it comes to me. I begin to stammer or hesitate when I have to lie and soon get caught up.
In most circumstances, telling lies is considered bad. Honesty and truthfulness are foundational for healthy relationships, and lying erodes that trust. Lies can cause emotional pain and harm, especially when they are intentionally deceptive. Many ethical and religious frameworks consider lying to be a moral wrong, as it violates the principles of honesty and integrity. The intention behind a lie is important. A lie used to cause harm is generally considered more damaging than a lie used to prevent harm. The potential consequences of a lie should be carefully considered. A lie that could have serious negative consequences is generally considered more harmful than a lie with minimal impact.
Mahabharatha context
In the Mahabharata, Yudhishthira, known for his unwavering truthfulness, lied only once, during the war against the Kauravas. During the Kurukshetra war, Dronacharya, a powerful warrior, was a key obstacle for the Pandavas. Krishna devised a plan to disable him, and Yudhishthira played a crucial role in executing this plan. Yudhishthira told Dronacharya that "Aswathama is dead," but whispered "the elephant" (kunjaraha). Drona, in his grief-stricken state, misinterpreted the phrase to mean his son had died, which caused him to disarm himself. Yudhishthira, although known for his honesty and dharma, was also a skilled strategist who understood the nuances of battle. He saw this lie as a necessary evil to achieve a greater good, which was the victory of the righteous side.
Lying is generally considered wrong, but there are specific situations where it might be viewed as justifiable or even good. These include lying to prevent harm, protect someone's feelings, or to save someone's life. While honesty is generally valued, there are instances where lying can be seen as a necessary evil to prevent harm, protect vulnerable individuals, or maintain social harmony. The key is to carefully consider the intention, potential consequences, and context of the lie before deciding whether it is morally justifiable.
Lying for someone's own good is a complicated matter. Some people believe it's okay, especially if it protects someone from harm or makes them happy, while others believe lying is always wrong, even if the intention is good. It is best to prioritize honesty and truthfulness, but there are situations where lying can be considered ethically justifiable when the potential harm of telling the truth outweighs the harm of lying, and the lie is intended to do good or protect others.
In good faith - Peace!!
