The main thing is to have a soul that loves the truth and harbors it where he finds it. And another thing: truth requires constant repetition because error is being preached about us all the time, not only by isolated individuals but by the masses…everywhere error rides high and basks in the consciousness of having the majority on its side.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Goethe’s words are powerful, aren’t they? They are also evidence that some things haven’t changed for centuries. Ever wonder why lying seems to have become as common as our morning coffee? It’s like we’ve all been handed a free pass to the land of make-believe, and it’s not always for the better. Today, untruths are repeated so often they begin to take on a life of their own; certain people in positions of influence have made it seem acceptable to repeatedly tell untruths knowing that if people hear a lie often enough they begin to believe it. For them, lying is more or less a power grab motivated by a deep-seated need to win at any cost; their integrity has long flown the coop. They do it so often that it gives their sycophants and fans permission to indulge in lying themselves without a second thought. Lying, gossiping, and the spreading of misinformation and rumors have become so ingrained in our daily lives that many people often don’t even realize they are doing it. But why is this the case? Why has dishonesty become so mainstream and acceptable? Many of us battle with the conflict between our inner thoughts and our desire to avoid the disapproval of others. This need can drive us to say things that aren’t entirely true or spread rumors just to fit in or be liked. It’s a tough cycle to break, but recognizing it is the first step.
The media plays a significant role in this phenomenon. The media often prioritizes drama and sensationalism over truth and integrity because it generates more income for them. This constant bombardment of exaggerated or false information can desensitize us and make lying seem more acceptable and it is slowly tearing a hole in the soul of humankind. But here’s the kicker: we have the power to change this narrative. We can choose to be mindful of our words and actions. Before we speak or post something online, we can pause and ask ourselves a few simple questions:
- Is what I’m about to say true?
- Do I know this for a fact — have I checked and done the research first-hand to back up what I am saying—or am I mindlessly repeating what I have heard just because it supports my already ensconced beliefs?
- Will my words be life-affirming and productive or destructive?
By doing this simple self-inquiry process, we can start to shift the culture from one of dishonesty to one of accountability, integrity, respect, and kindness. It’s also important to remember that speaking with integrity isn’t just about being honest with others; it’s about being honest with who we see staring back at us in the mirror. This kind of self-reflection can liberate and help us live more authentically.
So, next time we find ourselves on the brink of spreading a rumor, or telling a little white lie, may we take a beat to breathe and seek clarity. With mindfulness, we can use the power of our words to uplift and inspire rather than to tear down and separate. After all, the world needs and deserves the absolute highest and best that we can bring to it. In the end, it’s about making conscious choices and being impeccable with our word. It’s about creating a culture of honesty and integrity, one conversation at a time that will create a ripple effect felt for the next seven generations.
And who knows? Maybe Goethe would be proud of us for it.
