LifekXtra: Should lying be justified for any reason?

Lying is one of the oldest and most common wrong traits since humanity came into existence. An adage says, “A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation”. How true is it? Can there be any justifiable reason for lying? LifeXtra finds out.

Wikipedia defines a lie as “a statement used intentionally for the purpose of deception.” It goes further to describe the practice of communicating lies as lying and a liar as “a person who communicates a lie.”

Simply put, when we lie, we say something with the purpose of causing disbeliefs, false impressions, as well as raise doubts. Since this trait is as old as man, can it be justified? LifeXtra wanted to know more on the issue and we sought people’s opinions.

Modeline Chris, who gave an affirmative answer when contacted, said it depended on the circumstances. “In some instances one may be left with no option than to lie. I can’t really remember any instance but even Abraham had to pretend that Sarah (his wife) was his sister in the bible.”

Phillip Clement, NYSC member, says there is no justification for lying. “As long as it is not in consonance with what is truthful and ideal, no matter the reason, it is not justifiable.”

In Saratu Musa’s opinion, the blogger reiterates that it is all about context. “Which will do more damage the truth or the lie? Are you lying for a selfish reason or for the greater good? When I was in school, I read a book about an explorer who left his fiancée and went for an adventure. While at it, he became sick, was delirious for a while, and was mumbling gibberish on the day he died. His last words were about adventures.”

“When his companions went back home and broke the news of his death to his fiancée she was devastated and asked what did he say about me, one of the companion told her ‘he called your name with his last breath’, this brought consolation to the lady, I think in this situation the lie is justifiable,” she concluded.

Muhammad Bello Sada, a lecturer told LifeXtra “Politics, someone said, is based on the indifference of majority. It is based on deception and how best you can package yourself at least that is how it is practiced. We see the lies, we hear the lies, yet we support. Eighty out of 100 per cent of political campaigns

are all lies but as long as we feel that the candidate belongs to “us”, we close our eyes and encourage them to live the lies. Technically speaking, lying is not only reasonable or the best option but the only way in politics.”