Quite often, truth is defined by what you know at the time. If you listen to only one side of the news (especially when something first breaks), you’ll never know the full truth or even something remotely resembling it.
It’s been MY policy. But in the right scenario, you just need to know how to say it right. Blunt truth doesn’t work as well as tactful truth, for example.
Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Choices are based in one’s experience and beliefs. Thus there is no one truth that exists beyond a single viewer.
I forget who gave us the quote, “Best policy? Hell, it isn’t even one of our better policies,” but I remember I coined, “A lie in the mouth is worth two in the bush.”
Sad but true. “Whatever it takes.”, not only includes lying but demands it. If you’re not willing to lie for the cause you’re not willing to die for the cause. …sigh.
Spoke truth to power, was fired for it, on the way out the door mentioned my next stop was the media, was invited back in, a few weeks later a big settlement check arrived. Speaking truth is good. . . . as long as you know where the bodies are buried.
At one point Saddam Hussein invited his top generals and advisors in for a little “let your hair down and tell it like it is” session. “Nobody here but the members of the inner circle,” he noted. “And we need the best advice we can get. Don’t hold back. Everything’s on the table. What are we doing wrong? Everything stays within this room.”
Thruout the ensuing discussion he stayed silent, just nodded and took notes. Then, after everyone had spoken his piece, he had his harshest critics taken out and shot.
I always try to tell the truth. It can make me less popular, but I can look in a mirror and sleep well at night. I will temper the truth at times, when all it will do is hurt someone needlessly, like “Your smile is great, both of your teeth really stand out”.
Perhaps we could amend that homily to “honesty with kindness is the best policy.” Too many people like to hurl insults or hurtful remarks and then absolve themselves by tacking on “I’m just being honest.” One can tell the truth without shredding another’s self-esteem.
What I love is governments’ mantra – “If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear.” Well I have plenty to hide, including my sign-ons, passwords and so on. The same principle, it occurs to me was what Julian Assange applied to governments; and where did that get him?
Yep. Been demoted for speaking the truth to an employer. The fun part was the job got easier for the same pay. At least for a year or so then got the responsibilities back. :)
sirbadger about 4 years ago
If everybody was honest, it might become the best policy.
I Mad Am I about 4 years ago
Like Licorice & Caramel… Truth & Corporations… do NOT go together!
Leojim about 4 years ago
If one is a butthead then honesty can be brutal.
in.amongst about 4 years ago
Oh come on! If he was in the Board room in the first place, he is not going to end up on a side-walk… more likely a beachside mansion.
PekCheeYong about 4 years ago
I love the message of how the homeless doesn’t wear masks.
Farside99 about 4 years ago
Quite often, truth is defined by what you know at the time. If you listen to only one side of the news (especially when something first breaks), you’ll never know the full truth or even something remotely resembling it.
Superfrog about 4 years ago
Truth is far to valuable to be used rashly.
TwilightFaze about 4 years ago
It’s been MY policy. But in the right scenario, you just need to know how to say it right. Blunt truth doesn’t work as well as tactful truth, for example.
some idiot from R'lyeh Premium Member about 4 years ago
It may be the best policy – he may have lost his job but retained his honour.
sandpiper about 4 years ago
Truth, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Choices are based in one’s experience and beliefs. Thus there is no one truth that exists beyond a single viewer.
WGillete about 4 years ago
Most people are honest. Really. It’s the professional liars that make us forget that.
submachine about 4 years ago
Time was
Lawrence.S about 4 years ago
I forget who gave us the quote, “Best policy? Hell, it isn’t even one of our better policies,” but I remember I coined, “A lie in the mouth is worth two in the bush.”
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member about 4 years ago
Sad but true. “Whatever it takes.”, not only includes lying but demands it. If you’re not willing to lie for the cause you’re not willing to die for the cause. …sigh.
Prey about 4 years ago
Reminds me of the scene in TBBT when Sheldon says he would like to know what people really thought and the answer was a resounding “No, no you don´t!”
TomHorsley about 4 years ago
The truth will set you free!
Michael G. about 4 years ago
If you’re sick as I am of being told that “night” is “day”, get off your asses and vote.
Nate England about 4 years ago
Just saw “Infidel.” Perfect example of what happens when you speak truth on national tv.
DCBakerEsq about 4 years ago
Truth is an illusion. Much like democracy.
Linguist about 4 years ago
Can you imagine what it would have been like if his handlers, enablers, sycophants, and mindless minions had told Trump the truth?
richsunaz3642 about 4 years ago
just like trump HONEST?
Packratjohn Premium Member about 4 years ago
I refer you to “The Invention of Lying” with Ricky Gervais
mistercatworks about 4 years ago
In the lonnnnng run, honesty is the best policy but make sure your resume is current before shooting off your mouth.
Boots at the Boar Premium Member about 4 years ago
This is why it’s best to be a yes-man.
Bruce1253 about 4 years ago
Spoke truth to power, was fired for it, on the way out the door mentioned my next stop was the media, was invited back in, a few weeks later a big settlement check arrived. Speaking truth is good. . . . as long as you know where the bodies are buried.
Richard S Russell Premium Member about 4 years ago
“Better safe than sorry” is also a homily and might’ve been more apt in this case.
Richard S Russell Premium Member about 4 years ago
At one point Saddam Hussein invited his top generals and advisors in for a little “let your hair down and tell it like it is” session. “Nobody here but the members of the inner circle,” he noted. “And we need the best advice we can get. Don’t hold back. Everything’s on the table. What are we doing wrong? Everything stays within this room.”
Thruout the ensuing discussion he stayed silent, just nodded and took notes. Then, after everyone had spoken his piece, he had his harshest critics taken out and shot.
bigal666 about 4 years ago
I always try to tell the truth. It can make me less popular, but I can look in a mirror and sleep well at night. I will temper the truth at times, when all it will do is hurt someone needlessly, like “Your smile is great, both of your teeth really stand out”.
magdala666 about 4 years ago
Perhaps we could amend that homily to “honesty with kindness is the best policy.” Too many people like to hurl insults or hurtful remarks and then absolve themselves by tacking on “I’m just being honest.” One can tell the truth without shredding another’s self-esteem.
mwksix about 4 years ago
“My taxes are in audit” is the best policy…
Ka`ōnōhi`ula`okahōkūmiomio`ehiku Premium Member about 4 years ago
Truth is a dish best served with incontrovertible evidence.
JenSolo02 about 4 years ago
Oh noooo, I thought Danae and Kete would be back this week!
Sailor46 USN 65-95 about 4 years ago
if Honesty is the best policy, then Insanity is the best defense.
garibaldi99 about 4 years ago
So, my girlfriend asked if she looked fat today. What do you think I said? Honesty can be dangerous to relationships.
keenanthelibrarian about 4 years ago
What I love is governments’ mantra – “If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear.” Well I have plenty to hide, including my sign-ons, passwords and so on. The same principle, it occurs to me was what Julian Assange applied to governments; and where did that get him?
lindz.coop Premium Member about 4 years ago
That’s what happens right now…
Thehag about 4 years ago
Yep. Been demoted for speaking the truth to an employer. The fun part was the job got easier for the same pay. At least for a year or so then got the responsibilities back. :)