Lying Is Like Reckless Driving 543.4
Sometimes lying makes our lives easier. If you want the day off, just call in sick. If your boss asks if you’ve finished a report, say you left it at home. If an irate customer calls, just make up a good cover-up story. Technically they’re lies, but since no one’s hurt, what’s the big deal?
We tell ourselves these sorts of lies are harmless. But are they really? Telling lies is like reckless driving. If we’re lucky, we won’t get caught and no one will get hurt. But driving dangerously is wrong because it’s irresponsible to recklessly endanger human life. Most lies are wrong, too, because they recklessly endanger human relationships. What’s more, they’re habit forming. The more lies we tell, the easier they become. So we tell more.
Self-serving lies that help us get out of a jam or look better are like land mines. Many may lie dormant but, sooner or later, will explode, damaging both our credibility and reputation. The ethical duty to be worthy of others’ trust should not bend to our needs, convenience, or desire to avoid unpleasant consequences. Besides being dishonest, lying is disrespectful because it deprives the victim of information needed to make sensible decisions.
Lies damage personal and business relationships because they generate suspicion and distrust. Once lied to, most people think, "What else will he or she lie to me about?" This is not a healthy basis for any relationship.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
Comments
Michael, let just say that I a fan of your commentaries and the Josephson Institute sets an excellent example for all. I was wondering if you could have a few commentaries on the rude, selfish, and despicable driving behavior of the Southern California commuter and how these individual's personalities don't fall far from the tree. I truly believe that a person's driving behavior is a reflection of their personality. And if this is the case, then we have some very reprehensible personalities out on the road. We need EVERYONE to drive in a more civil manner and to just stop this bad behavior.
Posted by: Jerry | December 7, 2007 8:16 AM
Dear Micheal,
First off, Happy Birthday, I'm not far behind Jan. 1st is my 61st. The issue is about the despicable driving behavior posted by Jerry, I agree it is bad. I watched a woman putting on make-up this morn. Most are on their cells, eating and some smoking dope. I wonder if they truly take into consideration what could happen if they were to get into an accident or... Every morning there is a traffic report on the radio about an accident that's congesting the travelers in to town. I always say I'm glad that's not me and I'll watch out when I drive. What would it take to get young people to drive more courteously? How about STAY IN ONE LANE until your ready to get off. And-Stop the lane changing and reduce the stress you are causing?
Thanks for your words.
Edward
Posted by: Edward Grageda | December 7, 2007 2:42 PM
As a motorist on the freeway, I watch for those who would endanger the lives of others so that they may reach their destination a few minutes earlier. While each day I see such a person swerving in and out of traffic, I am amazed at those of us, a far greater number, who purposely create space, slow down, speed up, move over, all in an effort to make sure that an accident doesn't occur. As the careless driver whizzes past me with bravado at his/her manuvering capabilities, I think to myself how wonderful that the rest of us are watching out for the safety of this reckless individual.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 13, 2007 2:44 PM
I must admit, I try to be a polite motorist on the road, however at times I do not set a good example to my children as I am one of "those" people who at times talk on their cell phone while driving. However, we as adults tend to forget the younger generation watch and learn from what we do, so while at a stop light, much to my young teenagers disamay, sat a police officer talking on her cell phone, eating a big mac and pulled away at the green light. I guess my point is, technology has affected us all and try as we might, even us in the "more mature" generation have a few things to improve on, that being living in the fast lane of cell phones and fast food we all need to slow down..just not the "young people".
Posted by: Fran | December 13, 2007 9:43 PM
OMG OMG OMGGGG
CAN I GET THIS ON AUDIO, PLEASE?
Posted by: VICTOR | December 22, 2007 8:43 AM
I love this article you have written and have posted about it on my blog. I hope it will introduce more readers to your insights.
I try to teach my children by using their toys. To touch on dishonesty, I used the tumble down game set (Jenga) they have.
I have posted details of how I do it at the following link:
http://greenbeings.bravehost.com/tumble.htm
Posted by: GreenBeing Nancy | March 7, 2008 6:34 PM
Michael: I listen to you every morning and those I miss, I re-read again and again on your site. Thank you for my daily inspiration. I must say how true your words are about Lying is Like Reckless Driving. For 30 years I have put up with a lying and cheating husband, and you are absolutely right, once a liar, ALWAYS a liar. He still lies to this day, but I have learned from his lies and cheating how to be a stronger person and recognize the signs when a person is lying. Yes, it does ruin a relationship for and I have told him many times that God got back at him for this because now he has suffered from prostate cancer for the past 12 years. Lies are wrong and more people need to realize how true this is. Thank you and thank you for the truth!!!
Posted by: Debbie | April 11, 2008 7:09 AM