[Gary Wassner]

Now that I have this forum here, I don't have to worry that the topics might not appeal to everyone in the general fantasy forum. So I am going to try to raise some interesting, hopefully thought-provoking questions that might generate a lively dialogue, though they may not be for you. If you have the inclination, jump in. If not, I understand.

What are your thoughts on the above statement?

[kahnovitch]

Is it just me or are the author forums turning into philosophical debating centres? ;)
I would say "LIE" is definitely the biggest enemy of truth. IT hides the truth therefore it must be it's enemy.
Then again if the lie hides the truth because the truth is a terrible thing to behold, I guess lie could be truth's friend.
Depends a lot on the lie and truth in question.
As for conviction, I'm not too sure what you're getting at there?

[Gary Wassner]

Belief. Is belief the greater enemy of truth? Does it prevent you from even searching for the truth? When you lie, at least you know that you are stating something other than what you believe to be true.

[kahnovitch]

So, belief as in faith.
Considering how blind it can be, belief may well make you choose a lie over "the truth" as the truth may not fit in with your beliefs.

I think belief is the greater enemy then, as at least to lie, you must acknowledge the truth.

Jesus!
I sound like the little bald kid from the Matrix!

[Gary Wassner]

Ah, but that's the point Kahn.

But when you lie, your intention is to decieve. Does intention make the lie that much more insidious?

[kahnovitch]

Well I'll just say that liars know the truth.
Believers may only accept the truth if it fits with their mindset, as a truth which contradicts their belief, may well be considered by them to be a lie.
Ironically a believer may accept a lie as the truth if it correlates to their belief.
Therein lies the paradox.

[Dawnstorm]

In a poll, I'd say conviction.

But being free to establish my own context: Chasing after truth is fun; be wary, though, it might become an addiction.

I have this rule of thumb: Truth is always political, and looslely based on reality.

What I mean by this is that reality is something we can only grasp by perceiving and interpreting. What we arrive at this way is "truth". Usually, our perceptions and interpretations won't last indefinitely. When they begin to fall apart, we begin to think there must be a greater truth. I don't think there is, though. I think it's just that - at some point - truth and reality become incompatible, and we have to re-adjust.

Viewed that way, if truth has one enemy, it's change. Just when you thought you knew...

In the end, it's all about living.

***

By the way, to properly grasp what I've said above, it might be helpful to bear in mind that what I said above is only the truth - if that. ;)

[juzzza]

I think conviction can lead to a lie or lies. It's like asking if hate is the enemy of the truth...

So the lie is the enemy, it doesn't matter if it is faith, love, hate, jealousy, lust, denial, which leads you to lie to others and/or yourself, it leads you there.

[Gary Wassner]

So no one thinks intention matters in this equation?

Do we choose to believe? Do we choose to lie? or both?

Is belief innocent and deception guilty?

[juzzza]

Using the term 'enemy', suggests that 'truth' is an entity. It isn't, so perhaps lie is simply the direct opposite of the truth rather than its enemy.

So intention is irrelevant, whether the lie is blinkered belief, a planned deception for good (to protect) or evil, a lie is a lie is a lie... The opposite of the truth.

Is ignorance an intentional lie to one's self? Belief is a difficult subject, many beliefs are learnt or inherited from parents, peers and the community. Fear of rejection perhaps, prevents someone from questioning those beliefs. Is this lying to yourself?