Lies are like credit card expenses

Lately, I've found myself pondering a recurring question: "Why do people lie?" This contemplation brings to mind the wisdom shared by my eighth-grade teacher, Thangaswamy Ayya. He painted lies as entities with a life of their own, evolving and proliferating with each retelling. Ayya likened them to a familial network, wherein second-generation lies are intricately linked to their predecessors. When one is exposed, the rest rally to its defence, attacking the character of the one who initiated the falsehood.

Ayya's analogy drew a vivid parallel between lies and a pig farm. As lies grow, they generate noise, pollute their surroundings, and emit an unbearable stench. Similarly, lies corrode the inner essence of a person, causing a putrid odour to permeate their being.

In contrast, truth, much like a positron, radiates light in all directions, illuminating even the darkest recesses of life. While individuals may be tempted to conceal certain aspects of their lives for a semblance of respectability, truth ultimately acts as a stabilizing force, restoring equilibrium over time.

The narrative of Gandhiji confessing to stealing a penny from his father's pocket serves as an inspiring example. His admission not only brought about liberation but also embraced the ensuing punishment. In doing so, it exemplifies the transformative power of truth in fostering personal growth and societal harmony.

Conversely, lies provide instant comfort, an escape, and fleeting happiness, yet they accrue interest like credit card debt with the highest rates. Are lies merely a temporary fix? Indeed, many are, but some endure for centuries, outliving their creators. Short-lived lies demand their compounded interest, wreaking havoc on relationships and partnerships.

Those tempted to use lies strategically must tread carefully, akin to managing a credit card. Not everyone can handle the complexities, just as we wouldn't entrust a credit card to a child. Hence, we advise our kids against lies, as relying on them early on can become a destructive habit, eroding their true selves and potential.

It is scientifically proven, that those who begin lying in youth often grow more intelligent later in life. Early exposure to life's pitfalls allows kids to bank on the truth. Lies, diverse in forms, defy easy classification. Some straddle multiple categories, complicating the sorting process. Some lies can even metamorphose into truths over time, akin to a credit card purchase evolving into a wise investment.

Just as relying on savings is prudent for life, staying within the bounds of truth is the wiser path forward. While lies may open new paths, mishandling them leads to overwhelming debts, inevitably claiming their toll.

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