Sunday, September 11, 2005
Honesty, at what price?
"You seem like the sort of person who has no qualms or whatsoever to speak your mind even if it means hurting people. Or losing friendship that doesn't hold honesty...."
I read the words and paused.
Honesty, at what price?
When I was much younger, I saw things in black and white. Everything was in absolutes - people were good, or evil. Decisions were clear-cut : always do the right thing.
Always choose the path of light. Always tell the truth; always be compassionate; always help where you can.
I think life, and London have taught me to see in grayscale. Only till now, I have seen in greyscale, and tried to judge others by that same greyscale - but hungered to live my own personal life, and judge my own morals by black and white.
And now, I wonder.
Perhaps I shouldn't tell the truth all the time; perhaps I should weigh up the extent of hurt before I open my mouth.
Perhaps, yes, it is simply about tact - but really, tact can only do so much to temper the truth. Perhaps the problem is that truth - is wasted on some. Until they are ready to hear.
Perhaps sometimes it is better to stay silent - for a while longer; and sometimes it is best to hold on to friendships that do not hold absolutely honesty. Perhaps over time, honesty can filter into those friendships.
Perhaps trust can be learnt.
I read the words and paused.
Honesty, at what price?
When I was much younger, I saw things in black and white. Everything was in absolutes - people were good, or evil. Decisions were clear-cut : always do the right thing.
Always choose the path of light. Always tell the truth; always be compassionate; always help where you can.
I think life, and London have taught me to see in grayscale. Only till now, I have seen in greyscale, and tried to judge others by that same greyscale - but hungered to live my own personal life, and judge my own morals by black and white.
And now, I wonder.
Perhaps I shouldn't tell the truth all the time; perhaps I should weigh up the extent of hurt before I open my mouth.
Perhaps, yes, it is simply about tact - but really, tact can only do so much to temper the truth. Perhaps the problem is that truth - is wasted on some. Until they are ready to hear.
Perhaps sometimes it is better to stay silent - for a while longer; and sometimes it is best to hold on to friendships that do not hold absolutely honesty. Perhaps over time, honesty can filter into those friendships.
Perhaps trust can be learnt.
