We all lie. It’s a fact, either you admit it or not. Of course, the extent or degree may vary but lying is a daily act, regardless of our culture, religion, education, gender, age or social and cultural environment. Do Japanese not distort the facts when they have to account for a nuclear catastrophe? A priest, willing to keep the unity among his worshippers, is not constrained to minimalize certain particular disturbing events? Does a child not mime sadness to obtain a toy? Is there any person, man or woman, who is immune to lie?
It is interesting to notice that lie does not have any restrictions and boundaries. Just like a formless and intangible fluid, it sneaks in all social interactions and even from the first people. All civilizations had their lot of hypocrites for obtaining power, bringing down heads of state or mobilizing people around a common idea. The use of lie depends on circumstances, persons, context, but especially on the objective set by the person who utters it.
Lie is fascinating because it is polarizing. It separates opinions in the name of ethics. It sometimes appears kind when it serves a higher interest or a “noble” cause, such as saving hundreds of lives. In exchange, it can be pointed at when it voluntarily harms other person or serves “very” personal interests.
Beyond any philosophical consideration, lie is simply part of our lives because it is a means of survival.
Marwan Mery - Sorbonne University - France
“Detection of lie – unmasking liars”- Meteor Publishing House ( www.meteorpress.ro).
