Why People Lie

I’d like to believe that I’m a pretty objective fellow. So even though I know right from wrong, I also know that people, including myself, will always do right…and wrong. Therefore I don’t trip over people’s flaws and short-comings as long as they aren’t in denial that they have them. Most of us have heard of the 10 Commandments from the Bible. Some of us even know them by heart. If you’re like me, you’ve probably said to yourself that one or two are either worse than or not as bad as a few others. However, I came to realize that neglecting to follow any of them can lead to the occurrence of any of the others.

Lying is one of those ill-advised actions that seems to have varying levels of consequence if any at all. There are little white lies, perjury to grand jury, conspiracy, pranks, government cover-ups, tabloid stories, deception by silence, and everything in between. However, the truth is truth and is backed up by proof. Lies are just lies. So why?  Why do we lie?

Well there is no easy, clear cut answer since each individual uses their own moral code to decide whether to lie or tell the truth. I hear people saying they wish other people didn’t lie. The problem is that most people can’t handle the truth. I heard that…you just said that you can but if you have to say it then you probably can’t. If someone could be completely honest without fear of being judged, condemned, divorced, terminated, shot, evicted, abandoned, or disowned, they would surely choose the high road. We all make dumb decisions and do deeds that if others knew about would land us in hot water. Therefore, some of us lie or at least withhold information in lieu of disclosing the whole truth.

To err is to be human. To judge is to be God. Yet we as humans try to play God and judge other humans. To avoid being judged, humans often lie. We all have a part to play in greatly reducing lying. 1. Tell the truth and be willing to accept the consequences for your actions, whatever they may be. 2. Accept the truth no matter what it is or how much it hurts. This may not eliminate lying but any reduction will be most helpful in making the world a better place.

-- Wood Butler, Jr.


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