Honesty isn't the most important thing, sometimes you need to think about why you are being honest and if it might be better to tell a lie instead.
True? False? Or something in between?
2007-07-20 04:18:27 · 5 answers · asked by --- 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
A woman was very ill, she could have died. She asked friends if her late husband had ever cheated on her. They told the truth and she had to deal with the heartbreak on top of her fighting her illness. I fail to see what good their honesty did to her.
A woman was asked if she knew something about a mans birthday surprise, by said man. She was honest and told the truth. Months of planning the surprise was washed down the drain because she wouldn't lie and say "I don't know anything about that". How could being honest be a good thing?
Wouldn't it be better if integrity decided where honesty is best or not?
2007-07-20 04:58:48 · update #1
I wish that the one asking the questions would have a choice to remove the thumbs down feature on their questions when the answers is a matter of opinion and there is no right or wrong. *sigh*
2007-07-20 20:55:39 · update #2
I agree with you that integrity is sometimes as cross purposes with honesty.
Having integrity is about being whole and uncorrupted. Acting in a way that is consistent with your beliefs.
Many will say that necessarily means that integrity includes honesty. But they are missing the larger picture. It may be THEIR belief that requires honesty, but that is not necessarily EVERYONE's.
Some people believe that kindness is a greater good than honesty. Some people believe that creating the most happiness for the most people is the ideal to strive for. Some people believe that a particular religious ideal is paramount.
And though none of these situations typically give free reign to lies, there are still circumstances in each of them perhaps where a lie would not only be permissible, but MANDATORY.
If a psychotic axe murderer breaks into your house and asks you where your children are, do you honestly tell him? Unless you care nothing for your children, THAT lacks integrity!
2007-07-20 05:56:01 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
honesty is a by-product of integrity.. and a lie is always a lie (we all lie :-\ ).. but in your scenarios i agree some things are better left unsaid... this is how i describe integrity..
it is composed of two things.. morality and character...
Morality - doing what is right. my guidelines for this are teachings of jesus you can insert what ever you want as your basis for morality.
Character - taking morality to that next level. action. not only doing what is right but helping others that cant defend themselves.
when i was in highschool if i saw a group of guys teasing another class mate about their weight/religion/background etc. morality tells me that i shouldn't also join in on the "fun". character tells me i should step in and stop them and protect the ones that cant protect themselves. a good combination creates a man of integrity. lack in one of these areas and your integrity buckles.
(steps down from soapbox)
2007-07-20 12:00:29 · answer #2 · answered by Snookuums 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is mere 'acceptance' of truth whether manifestly expressing it, or atleast acknowledging deep within.
Integrity is to get integrated(sort of blending, merging etc as per the situation) with the truth to the extent we accept, rendering even honesty to be redundant !
2007-07-20 11:25:38 · answer #3 · answered by Spiritualseeker 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is a small part of integrity. ~
I had a friend who discussed future plans with his mother who was dieing of cancer in the hospital.
She never knew; I think it was an act of extreme kindness
2007-07-20 11:26:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A believe telling a lie will never be a benefit.
2007-07-20 11:21:57 · answer #5 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋