CHRIS THURMAN: Honesty brings to the fore complexities of human behaviour
In the play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time a teenage boy who is brilliant at maths but interprets the world in a literal way embarks on a journey to become independent
Human societies embrace dishonesty. We like to think that we value truth, that we seek it out and affirm it. But most of our social interactions are dependent on half-truths, hidden truths and untruths. For the most egregious lies — usually told by politicians — it is necessary that we practise a certain hypocrisy, becoming outraged at the deceit of public figures even as we deceive others. Perhaps this is why we’re generally willing to forgive those who admit to lying and apologise for it. Sometimes they are punished but retain a kind of moral status (Nhlanhla Nene, the self-sacrificing lamb). Sometimes they escape punishment, and a greater good is served (President Cyril Ramaphosa is not a truth-telling saint but he’s our best shot at getting out of the mire). We’re less tolerant of the posturing of those who adopt an unearned saintliness when their duplicity is there for all to see. The EFF, for example, will be hit hard at the polls next year by the VBS scandal and other exposés...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.