I was going to say, I never lie – but the more honest way to phrase it would be, I really try and do my best to never lie. I’m wondering if this really is the best way to go about things.
Quite recently I sent a resume to a prospective employer. At the time I was told the qualifications were minimal: ‘Have you had a job before?’ (laughingly) and ‘Can you be here at six A.M.?’ were the only questions asked when inquiring about them. Later on, however, I learned there indeed was a demand for six months prior experience working in a similar environment.
Prior to this, my girlfriend had suggested I put something on my resume that reflected this experience (that is, prior to even knowing it was required), and when I mentioned I hadn’t done as she suggested - that I don’t lie, as a matter of principle - she remarked, ‘And how far has that gotten you?’
I must admit, I feel empowered by honesty. It’s much less an issue of altruism or the cliché ‘honesty is the best policy’ as it’s a source of pride for my own psyche. I understand this. I also feel, at the same time, I’m a better person because of this conviction; that whatever benefit my sole existence is to humanity, it is strengthened hereby.
But there is certainly a dilemma here. Namely, my own personal success (as it relates to the social hierarchy, monetarily and otherwise) depends at least in part on my ability to manipulate and coerce my surroundings, which would, on some level or another, include lying.
Philosophically, too, there’s much to be said here. No doubt this conviction stems from my own writings and meditations, in which I’ve never strayed from the idea, ‘I will not deceive – not even myself’. So I suppose it’s become a matter of habit to go on applying this conviction to daily life as well – certainly a case of truly living one’s philosophy, as I believe we should. Yet it also goes without saying, lying can serve as a tool to unlock the same feelings of pleasure and empowerment as honesty – the enhancement of one’s existence does not discriminate. Why ought honesty predominate?
What are your thoughts on honesty? Might convictional honesty be a detriment to one’s success both in the social and philosophical realms? Perhaps there’s a place for honesty yet, but modern society (as well as the individual) still is not ready for its complete and total implementation?
