What has happened to honesty, why can't anyone be truthful any more???

Answer 1

1) There is no immediate penalty for not telling "the truth."
2) Who is the arbiter of "the truth?" Christian, Muslim, Latter Day Saints, Catholic, Baptist? None agree on the other's notion of what "the truth" is.
3) What is "the truth?" Semantics, half-truths, deception, misdirection, white-lies, dodging a question, saving face, etc. Honesty is not as simple as it sounds. How much dishonesty is tolerated or even encouraged?
4) Isn't it part of the human condition to cast one's self in the most favorable light, and villefy one's opponents or detractors? Very few people are willing to admit that they, too, are liars, because they justify their version of events, and project blame onto others.
5) In this culture, honesty is not valued. If it were, government and a very large part of the so-called mainstream religions would grind to a halt. Think of the "posturing" required to sustain the charade that passes for "moral authority," in this culture. (Note: Be honest now.)
6) Many advantages accrue to those who are dishonest, and I'm afraid that the learning of this lesson has reached and surpassed the critical mass for it to constitute pandemic porportions.

Please bear in mind that I am not making an argument for any or all of the reasons listed above to justify compromising the truth; I am simply offering some of my thoughts to answer your question as I understand it. While I think your question is a good one, I would be even more interested in knowing how we as individuals, families, and communities could promote and reward honesty rather than dishonesty. I think it has something to do with integrity and civility. If so, then these are character strengths, and must be developed over time; they are not quick fix solutions. I believe that Morris Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center has some sound curriculum for schools and homes called "Teaching Tolerance" that begins with the development of character through responsible teaching. I hope you will check it out.

Answer 2

Honesty, and truthfulness. This is not what some kids that have grown up already been taught. Vulgar language on TV, movies, magazines, ads, celebrity behavior our kids mock off of. not to mention the parenting style of today (no offense meant there) with the discipline. Honesty is the best policy hiding behind a little white lie will come back and bite you) I could go on and on but I think these are several good examples I hope this helps you with your answer.

Answer 3

I believe most people will tell a lie because 1) it is easier to lie, 2) they feel that it is what the person wants to hear, and 3) because it makes the person seem better than the one the lie is told to.

It has been fairly successful. By the time the lie is realized, there are few repercussions. Because of this, a lie has become commonplace in our society.

Can we be truthful? Sure, but it has to start at home. Tell the truth always. Yeah, the truth may hurt sometimes, but it is easier to remember, doesn't get mixed up in retelling, and there is no explaining down the road.

Answer 4

I myself believe in being truthful. It takes too much effort to lie and remember the lie and tell other lies to collaberate with the first lie.

I also believe there are other people that are sincere but it is getting harder to find these days, especially on the internet where people can lie and get away with it.

Answer 5

If you tell the truth you are always happy, and you have a clear conscience and heart.

Now, for the liars, I'm not sure how they feel, and what dishonesty is going on, but business thrives on dishonesty.

Answer 6

GW Bush, the Christian fundamentalists out of control and into governance, the Patriot Act.... Oh, but you probably mean on a personal level. It's always been like that with some, sad really. Don't become one of 'em, okay.

Answer 7

People don't want to hear the truth,,,, a lie suits their purpose... but as for me, don't lie to me, I dislike a person who lies to me,, I am a very truthfully person, if you don't want the truth. don't ask me.

Answer 8

Just another symptom of the downward spiral of morals. Take God out of the schools, out of the courts, out of homes, and replace Him with a doctrine which says we are cosmic accidents born of animals and what incentive do we have to not lie? Lying is a survival instinct.

Answer 9

You don't want to be the bearer of bad news.

Answer 10

Because we try to keep our downfalls hidden by telling lies