The Importance Of Chopping Down The Cherry Tree

Chopping Down the Cherry Tree When discussing the human ability to tell a lie, or to deceive, it is often discussed in reference to morals and trustworthiness of individuals. Yet, it appears that everyone, or almost everyone, tells untruths at some point in their lives. So, is it wrong to deceive, or are there situations or circumstances that make it okay, actually appropriate, to give false information or to mislead another? There is no question that trust is a requirement for success in life and is attained by honesty, integrity, and building of trust among individuals, but can successful people be liars? Perhaps, the lie itself is measured in levels of deception, levels of harm it causes when found out to be misleading or false. To address

This cannot be said about the lies that are told to further ones career, influence others for personal gain, or to evade consequences of negative behaviors, etc. This type of lie appears to benefit the teller, and are often harmful to those that tell them and those that receive them. As a society, we condemn this type of untruth or falsehood, and deem the person that participates in such as untrustworthy and deceitful. In our society, we take great pride in being known as honest, and even our first president, George Washington, is quoted as saying "I cannot tell a lie", when questioned about cutting down his father’s cherry tree. But one has to question if this was completely true and fact. Did at any time he talk to his children about Santa, or did he ever say his wife looked beautiful, when in fact, he may have thought the attire she adorned herself with was anything

The level of lies and the purpose of the untruth determine which one that will be. While we take pride in being honest in our daily lives, relationships, working environments, and ethical and moral standards, we do appear to tell untruths often in the course of life. Many people will admit to chopping down the cherry tree, but will tell the "white lie" to someone to keep them from the bitter truth that may cause them distress or discomfort. So, as a population, we understand, participate and condone lies for the greater good, but condemn those that tell lies for personal gain in any form or fashion. Does that make lying okay? Does it make the lie null and void? Lies, they are a part of life and part of human nature. They are measured in distress inflicted, personal gain, and purpose and intent by the teller. To lie is to be human and the "white lie" is necessary at times for the greater good, to alleviate distress, to cause less damage, and to maintain and promote