But, I wanted to use V to talk about Dad. Both my parents are super-honest people, but Dad was the one who really drove the importance of veracity ("devotion to the truth") home. We are all human, and we all lie on occasion. Yet, I try with every fiber of my being to be honest and truthful with people.
However, that doesn't mean I am compelled to go spouting my truth to anyone who will listen. As Dad often said, "I try not to ever lie, but that doesn't mean I go blabbing the truth."
Plus, there's an important element to truth that we should all consider: my truth may not be yours. I may strongly believe in something, hold it as truth in my heart, but that does not mean someone else believes the same. Truth is in the mind of the beholder, and it's easy to manipulate or evade. Not to mention, if you lie to yourself long enough, doesn't it become your truth?
Growing up, my dad often said:
You have the audacity
to doubt my veracity
to insinuate
that I might prevaricate.
Few things insult me more than someone telling me I'm lying, particularly my children. I tell them they can always expect the truth from me. Then my daughter pointed out the "Santa lie" as proof that I don't. I really had to ponder that one.
So, now I'm even more honest with my children. I tell them I will always do what I think is in their best interest, and will always give them direct and honest answers to their questions. Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter bunny fall into the "don't go blabbing the truth" idea.
To further complicate veracity, I think little white lies that protect people's feelings are justified. ("No, you don't look fat in that dress.")
So after all this talk about being devoted to the truth, I sure seem to have come up with many exceptions to the rule.
What does veracity mean to you?
5 comments:
I also believe in being honest especially when asked a direct question. If someone "looks fat in that dress," you don't have to point it out. However, if they ask, then we have to learn to be honest and not hurtful. "I think the dress is a little too tight around the hips..." (:
Your blog is very nice, I have learned more Keep up the good work I am grateful and I appreciate.Thanks
In my mind, the little white lie should be used to keep from hurting someone's feelings ("No, that dress does not make you look fat at all."). Otherwise, truth has to reign. Look at the mess people get themselves into by lying, or hiding something, or being otherwise evasive. The news is full of famous people getting caught in lies...
Elise, I'm with you in theory, but sometimes I don't have the heart for telling them too much truth about those darn dresses. Shouldn't salespeople do that!? (Clearly, I never want to work in retail!)
Eloise, I agree.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, ladies!
Tia,
I don't comment often, but I enjoy all the blogs. This series of blogging A to Z has been exceptional! Your standard of excellence for the website continues to amaze me. Keep up the good work. AND veracity is a huge part of your father's character - to a fault, but you always know who you are dealing with. Maybe we should introduce it to our political community.
Mom
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