Can A Truth Be Worse Than a Lie

Can A Truth Be Worse Than a Lie

By: John Kazerooni

Humans often shape reality to fit their desires, even while claiming to value honesty. Though outright lies are universally condemned, the practice of telling half-truths—omitting key details—is frequently overlooked. This subtle deception can be more harmful to society than blatant falsehoods.

The danger of half-truths lies in their subtlety. Unlike lies, which can be detected and refuted, half-truths create a false sense of understanding. By presenting an incomplete picture, people can manipulate the narrative, leaving others misinformed. This manipulation can lead to poor decisions and eroded trust.

In public discourse, when leaders, institutions, or individuals share only selective facts, they distort reality. This undermines honest dialogue and reshapes public opinion for personal or political gain, damaging the social fabric. The long-term impact of such deception is severe, making trust difficult to restore once it’s broken.

Ultimately, withholding critical information is a form of deception that is harder to spot and more damaging to correct. While lies can be uncovered, the harm of half-truths lingers far longer. For society to thrive, full transparency is crucial for trust, understanding, and meaningful communication.

I wonder, are we pretending to be honest when we hide the whole truth? Are we fooling ourselves in the process? By withholding key details, are we not simply engaging in a different form of dishonesty? ...

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