[October 24, 2020] Sage counsel from all cultures and from across history, found in philosophical and religious texts, encourages us to not lie. What is so human is that we rarely chose to follow the advice. Dr. Jordan Peterson, professor from the University of Toronto, says that we should try to tell the truth, but at least don’t lie. Our good habit today focuses on a fundamental truth; don’t lie.
“A lie told often enough becomes the truth.” – Vladimir Lenin, Russian revolutionary politician and political theorist1
“Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.” – Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Russian novelist, historian, and political prisoner
Quotes by two of the most well-known Russians of the twentieth century gives us a glimpse into their thinking about the big lie. Lenin, the very man directly responsible for the advancement of Communism in Russia, was also involved in great violence against his people and ultimately the death and destruction on a scale never before or after has been achieved.
Lenin was the one who introduced Marxism into the Soviet Union; a government t that became a dictatorship under his rule. Solzhenitsyn needs no introduction, as he was imprisoned in the Soviet gulags and wrote about them extensively in The Gulag Archipelago. We should remember that Solzhenitsyn was the one that made the successful case that the deaths of millions was a direct causal consequence of Marxist ideology.
Last weekend I was camping with our Boy Scout troop when one of the young boys said that his scout book was missing. We asked the boys if anyone had seen it and, sure enough, one of the younger scouts admitted to ‘borrowing’ it for a few hours. We do emphasize telling the truth even if it is to our distinct disadvantage. It’s working with our scouts and I can only hope they remember that telling the truth is far better.
However, humans don’t just have the proclivity to lie but are encouraged to lie, as well. I’ve written about this extensively (see here, here, and here) so I won’t go into detail. Lying is a form of psychological pathology that corrupts our soul and damages and poisons our relationships with others. Lying does not work well in the long term.
Leaders, followers, our families and our friends should tell the truth but at least they should not lie. As someone significant to them, we have the moral obligation to enforce telling the truth. More importantly, we should never encourage those to lie, cheat, or steal. Lying is easy. Don’t do it.
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- This particular quote is often attributed to different people, including Hitler and Goebbels. There are those, however, that say Lenin never said or wrote it. The controversy may continue but the quote is still relevant to my blog. https://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/32926/did-lenin-say-a-lie-told-often-enough-becomes-the-truth
Simple lesson for up and coming leaders….. just don’t lie. That will keep you out of trouble, people will trust you more, and you will be seen as reliable and like a rock in the stream that is not moved by trivial things around you.
Telling a lot of lies doesn’t just have an impact on the way other people see you. It also has a detrimental effect on the way you see yourself. It is difficult to like the person you are when you dislike what you do. The more lies you tell, the less respect you will have for yourself. When you don’t believe in yourself, it’s more difficult to reach personal goals and objectives. It also makes it hard for other people to believe in you.
I’ll say you are absolutely correct, DPG. Thanks.
“Humans don’t just have the proclivity to lie but are encouraged to lie, as well.” Core argument in this article and one that might just be debated. I’m not so sure myself altho on the surface it appears to be true.
Why You Lie
Day to day, you may lie to the outside world to get what you want and to avoid pain. You tell lies to appear more competent, to gain status, to be well-liked, to prevent conflict. This is you manipulating the world.
In Dr. Peterson’s book, The 12 Rules for Life, you may not be actively misleading other people, but merely lying by omission. This isn’t any better. If your boss does something you dislike, not confronting her about it is still lying – you’re acting inauthentically, not in accordance with your beliefs. If you habitually avoid conflict, don’t complain when mistreated, and suppress your own ideas, you’re still lying to yourself. This makes you feel weak, because your existence has little real meaning. You’ve become a tool to be used, obliterating your independence.
Excellent comment Darwin. Thank you!
I have a copy of the book and I am just about finished with my first reading. Gen. Satterfield recommends we read the book twice to get the most from it and write comments in the margins for future reference.
Good discussion about lying. I try not to but find myself occasionally doing it. Why oh why?
“Rule 8: Tell The Truth – Or At Least Don’t Lie”
https://www.shortform.com/blog/jordan-peterson-tell-the-truth-rule-8/
Another right on-target article on good habits for leaders. I would suspect, however, this one will be one of the hardest to hold onto. Just try it for a day. It sure is liberating and very very difficult.
‘Difficult’ is an understatement, Wendy. I tried it… I was successful … but lost a few friends that day.
Wow, didn’t realize how powerful the truth is. I wonder why we say “don’t lie” but don’t say “tell the truth”. A little difference but should be discussed. I think we would all say our wife in that sexy dress is beautiful (when she is not because of her fat hips) but what man would do otherwise. Is that a “lie” or an “untruth?” Interesting dilemma.
I’m not so sure this is really something we want to get into but I do think that lying is bad and should be avoided. Amazing how much freedom you get from telling the truth. And, when folks know that you do so, they expect it and have more respect for you.
Excellent point, Harry. 👍
Hard is an understatement of the year. Everyone encourages us to lie (altho they say to never lie). They say one thing and expect a different outcome. Did someone once say this is the definition of being crazy.
Sure is hard to argue with that advice/habit.
I’ll say !!!!!
👍
Looking forward to more in this ‘good habits’ series. I think it’s the longest running series of Gen. Satterfield’s blog.