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This is such a depressing read on so many levels, but chiefly for me because I have a brain defect which compels me to be brutally honest at all times, think of
by lbj 8y ago
This is such a depressing read on so many levels, but chiefly for me because I have a brain defect which compels me to be brutally honest at all times, think of it a Tourettes light. And when at times, it's seemed like bending the truth would equate to a 2500 km shortcut, I've comforted myself that pure honesty always wins in the end. Sad to see it doesnt.
- badpun 8y agoReally depends on how you define winning. I suspect an honest guy achieving a modest success will feel much happier than someone who managed to become a bilionaire thanks to his terrible personality.
- modzu 8y agoi have this too! interesting to see im not alone. its gotten me into lots of trouble but i still think of it as a strength (for one thing friends trust me, even though they cant trust me with secrets hah)
- DelightOne 8y agoWhat if a lie would save a person?
- lbj 8y agoCan you provide an example?
- tux1968 8y agoI have a family member who claims something similar. What i've come to understand though is that what he calls honesty is actually much better described as cruelty. It's not "truth" in the sense of objective fact, it's more his own personal opinion, which in fairness he does share truthfully with those who didn't request it. Somehow his personal truth just doesn't account mitigating factors or compassion for the frailty and failings in others. This results in him being very harsh in his truthful appraisals of others. Interestingly, he manages to find such compassion and nuance in rare moments of self-reflection.
- placebo 8y agoMy take on it is that it just boils down to what your highest insights are about what is important in life. If you believe that the maximum we can hope for is just to be sophisticated animals, acting in a sophisticated jungle, aiming for more sophisticated forms of animal goals (gain the most power, impregnate the most females etc.) then through that particular filter, indeed honesty doesn't necessarily pay off and dishonesty can be just another good tool in the toolbox to achieve king of the pack status. There are however those who aren't content with just being sophisticated animals. They want to to dive into the depths that no animal can reach, and that requires self-honesty, and uncompromising honesty at that. And there is no way you can truly be honest with yourself while being dishonest with others, for reasons which become evident once you walk this path. This path (if traveled to its full extent) pays way more dividends than any benefit gained from prizes given by the sophisticated jungle. So, whether honesty pays or not, really depends on what sort of existence you seek.
- lbj 8y agoThat was surprisingly insightful, thanks!
- danbolt 8y ago“Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky