Reasons For Lying?

[goodlife]

People lie for many reasons. Some think they are obligated to lie about their abilities in order to get ahead in this competitive world.

Others try to cover up errors or guilt with lies. Still others falsify reports to give the impression that they have done work they have not done.

Then there are those who lie to damage another’s reputation, to avoid embarrassment, to justify previous lies, or to defraud people of their money.( Rev. 21:8)

[Octavius]

"And there are those who lie to avoid hurting someones feelings, to boost someones self-esteem or encourage someone to keep on trying"

Really? That seems a bit defeatist, especially if they find out that their bum really is that big and you were lying.

[vulcan42]

Lie=untruth
untruth= opposite of truth
truth= indisputable fact
indisputable fact=not religion
religion=goodlife
goodlife=liar

[mrs_overall]

I am still waiting for Goodlife to explain exactly what the question is here

[mikey4444]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[Octavius]

When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in

(OneRepublic - Good Life)

[mikey4444]

Mrs O...there isn't a reason. There never is with goodlife's post. They are just a device to quote from an old book, written years ago.

[mrs_overall]

mikey, I know, I know....but I am ever the optimist :-)

[andy-hughes]

pixie - to return to your point, I always believe that if someone believes what they are saying to be true, they are not lying, because lying is a concious effort to say something that is untrue.

For example - you will be able to find someone on this planet who believes that the earth is flat, and could pass a lie detector test saying so, because they believe it to be the truth.

Therefore, for that individual, they are speaking the truth.

There was a wonderful example of this situation - perfectly explained by the late David Frost and lost totally on its recipient -

Mr Frost and camera crew were expected at Gracelands to film an interview with Elvis. The guard at the gate advised them that they were not expected, Mr Frost argued, in his polite urbane English way that they were. "Are you calling me a liar?" said the guard. "No," said Mr Frost. "I am saying that what you are saying is not true."

What a perfect piece of logic and enterperetation of a conversation - lost on the guard who looked puzzled, remembered for ever by me.

[naomi24]

Andy, perfect logic indeed. Not surprised it went unrecognised though. :o)

[sandyRoe]

If you lie down with dogs you'll get up with fleas.

[sandyRoe]

That's one good reason not to lie ^

[jim360]

It's the sort of logic that seems lost on many people.

[joggerjayne]

It's best to try not to lie.

Unless you have a friend who's having an affair and needs you to cover for her now and again.

That's not lying. That's just being a pal. So it doesn't really count.

[sandyRoe]

White lies, a whole new ball game.

[Octavius]

Sometimes its best to lie low for a while, especially when its all kicking off after you have told someoine the truth.

[naomi24]

Goodlife, this isn't a question, so what is your purpose in posting it?

[Octavius]

Probably so that he can quote Luje 16:10, John 8:44; 14:30, Psalm 12:2-4, and then ramble on about false tongues..... ?

[pixie373]

I agree, Andy. I was questioning octavius' point that people who are religious are liars. While I'm not religious, others clearly believe it, so i wouldn't say they are lying. Even if they are wrong.

[sandyRoe]

Perhaps an earworm is being planted. For example, I'm sure most of us thought of Peter thrice denying any knowledge of Jesus in order to save his own skin.
There's a subtlety at work here that's almost Jesuitical

[pixie373]

I apologise octavius. I think it was actually your post, Andy and vulcan's.