> the lies we frequently tell our loved ones, our children, our coworkers, ourselves for the sake of genuine happiness. Are these lies morally problematic? [...

> the lies we frequently tell our loved ones, our children, our coworkers, ourselves for the sake of genuine happiness. Are these lies morally problematic? [...] such half-truths are not only permissible but required in the living of a virtuous life. One argument against lies, is they undermine people's thoughtful engagement with the world. To an uncontrollable extent. Given the story, this paragraph on honesty for me has a flavor of "here is one root cause my life's difficulties... but I'm not yet ready to face that or change". Though he does emphasize the topic (eg, '"John, you with me?" I think I nodded. It was a lie.'), so maybe WIP?