sixwordstories | (no subject)

It's a definite struggle to remember that sometimes. Especially when the truth can hurt worse than the lie.

And subjective is the choice, not good nor evil. Which hurts more?

The secret sting of a well intentioned lie, or the mutual burn of a harsh truth told?

Actually, if done correctly, they can be an art form.

Ah, but I did not say that lying was not artful.

Man, I don’t know. I ain’t one for lyin’ but offerin’ up information that wasn’t requested sounds like some snitch shit.

Or it's none of their business.

I would disagree. Simply not telling something, is just that. You neither lie, nor tell the truth.

Sometimes they're equally rough. Though I think the worst is telling the truth ABOUT a lie. Having had several pretty heinous experiences with it, I can tell you that it sucks. A lot.

((OOC: Hey, sorry about the journal change. Had some issues with the other one. Just figured it was easier to start a new one.))

Edited 2019-08-03 14:45 (UTC)

Regret always adds bitterness to a painful experience, I could only imagine. Without the ability of foresight, it's perhaps a pain often felt.

I would not know, regret is beyond us. What did you do, when faced with the task of admitting to a lie?

[ooc: It's okay!]

Truly, if for the sake of sparing someone else of punishment, it would be noble to some extent to withhold information.

That is indeed what 'snitch shit' is, if I am not mistaken, isn't it?

Ah but what if it was? For the sake of argument, what would you think if it were their business?

But what if by telling the whole of the story, it would change the thoughts and actions of the listener?

To intentionally omit facts in the interest of influencing another, would that not be duplicitous?

Then by such logic, all conversation is duplicitous. Omission and inclusion can influence; it depends on perspective, whether or not it is wrong.

Lies need not be wrong, and duplicity need not be evil. I argue not that lying is incorrect and should not happen.

Rather that to intentionally withhold pieces of information is in and of itself, deceitful. The morality of a lie is subjective, is it not?

When a thing is referred to as deceit, it gives the inherent implication of wrongness.

Edited 2019-08-03 20:51 (UTC)

It would depend upon the situation, I would imagine.

Deceit is deceit, but the target and context of said deceit alters whether or not it can be considered evil.

For example, to deceive an enemy who wishes you harm, is subjectively moral.

To deceive a child of whom trusts you is not.

Both are deception.

This isn't one of those 'devil's advocate' positions is it, because no one wants to talk to that guy, lady.

It is in order to continue the discussion of course.

I could simply agree with you, and admit it is none of the hypothetical parties business! But I wish to talk more of this subject with you, and to agree would be to end the debate far too soon.

But again, it is all perception. If I deceive my enemy, I may justify it, because they are my enemy. But my enemy may still feel unjustly betrayed.

And if I lie to a child, that there is a delightful, magical being, that brings them presents, when there is not, it is simply the child's parents, is that not a good thing, if it brings the child joy?

Okay fine. Whatever. Don't come crying to me when nobody likes you.

How is it their business? If you're going to start being specific about details for the sake of conversation, give me the situation.

Indeed! So in truth, deception is not good nor evil, but instead all shades of gray. Thus the term 'to deceive' cannot be considered good, nor evil in and of itself.

Rather, it is entirely one's perception of the word that alters the morality of it.

It is merely a question that bears no weight, asked for the sake of conversation. Should it vex you, I would hardly argue a change of subject, if another might interest you more.

For the situation I present to you, a police officer in search of a friend of yours. Your friend has committed a crime most serious, and the officer asks if you have seen him.

You answer that the last you knew, he was in town, all the while knowing that he intended on leaving later that night. Truthfully, you did last see him in town, and the officer did not ask where he was at current.

My question to you, is if it would be considered deceitful to omit the fact that you know where your friend is now? Surely as an enforcer of the law, it is indeed his business.

Exactly so. And yet the very word "deceit" possesses, within its definition, the word guilt. The mortal philosopher Kant believed all lies to be morally wrong. And yet a lie can be, in fact, good, depending entirely upon circumstance and perception.

So where do you stand? At their core, deceit, lying and duplicity all mean the same thing.

Is the same lie more heinous when you refer to it as deceit?

My stance is unique to my kind. I cannot lie. And to lie to a Fae is a heinous thing. However, to deceive a Fae, expertly, while frustrating, is to be respected. For we are masters of deceit. If you can outwit us, we can admire it, though we may despise you for it.

Edited 2019-08-03 21:57 (UTC)