Comments on: You Can’t Hide Your Lying Eyes

By: Gillian Johnson

Gillian Johnson — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:17:01 +0000

Funny thing about those counterfeit items… the truth is, I have bought a few… but not because of the name, I bought them because I liked the shape/look/color…. The most memorable was a small woman’s “rolex” watch that I picked up in Mexico. It was exactly the simple silverish small almost masculine style that I wanted and a mere 20 bucks. I was though somewhat mortified that people might think that I had spent an arm and a leg on a real rolex…. so on the rare occasion that someone actually commented on my watch and the fact that it was a “rolex” – I hastened to correct their misconception, stating that I would never spend that much money on a watch!!! So the question is, was it wrong to buy a watch that I liked and could afford simply because the maker had labeled it with small bold letters on its face ROLEX ???

By: Shannon

Shannon — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:24:14 +0000

Thank you for your thoughtful response! I don’t mean to say that Santa is a lie — the spirit and wonder of Santa, the spirit and meaning of St. Nicholas (see the St. Nicholas post) exists, truthfully. However, it isn’t black and white, and it is good to be conscious and thoughtful and mindful, as you are.

By: Gillian Johnson

Gillian Johnson — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:15:24 +0000

I was once told by a wise teacher – and it is the only lesson I actually remember from high school…. that lying is like an infection, it starts small and then gradually spreads…. until it becomes a full blown and even dangerous illness. I have carried that concept with me ever since then, I always get a weird, uncomfortable, negative feeling when I have lied – I then immediately need to correct the “There are no cookies in the house” comment with the truth. I also genuinely expect others to tell me the truth, (and it feels good to trust the world around me – ie. innocent until proven guilty), and I also do seem to instinctively know or feel it when the truth is not being told.

Thank you for the great article – it stimulates me to really consider all “untruths” – even Santa… just because it is an excepted “lie” does that mean it is a tale that I need or want to accept and incorporate into our lives… I do think it is important for us to consider each situation independently of a grand prerogative…. in other words, I want to think consciously about the way I speak and act in the world and the way that I judge myself, others, and accepted customs…… I do not want to be on automatic. I want to be awake. This article affords me one more little wake up, think, and be present reminder.

By: Matt Welsh

Matt Welsh — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:50:09 +0000

This really is an important issue. Your Santa Clause example raises an interesting philosophical or ethical question: Is it ever okay to tell a lie? If so, when and how do we make that determination?…I don’t know the answer and I think we all wrestle with that question.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:12:58 +0000

Thanks!

By: Skip Hunt

Skip Hunt — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:20:33 +0000

Excellent article! I think this is bigger than most people think too. In our culture, learning by example that it’s ok to lie some of the time.