Some people think that telling the truth is not always essential.

It is necessary to tell lies

sometimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Few subjects are as likely to provoke controversy as the necessity of lying. Those who
defend lying contend that truth might not be always desired, while untruth provides the best
solutions on some occasions in the real-life context. This argument seems absurd at first sight, but
with some facts closely examined, one can see some strong elements lie within it.

The first justification for lying is that a lie is not necessarily immoral. Instead, it can be
benign and beneficial. There are occasions in life on which people must conceal part of the truth or
even twist facts. For example, it is acceptable if one withholds a fact from a friend or family
member that he or she is diagnosed with cancer. It is to give the patient a peaceful frame of mind,
a condition that has a healing power. From this example, one can observe that while a falsehood is
condemned by many on ethical grounds, it in fact shows sympathy and goodwill.

Another justification is that lying, in the broad sense, has accompanied people since the
early childhood as part of the daily routine. The boundary between lies and white lies or banters is
blurred. Sometimes people tell a lie, or to be more precise, overstate or downplay a fact for
amusement or other social purposes. A telling example is that people often compliment their
friends on the food they prepare, even though the meal is not enjoyable at all. People are taught
to spare another person's feelings, rather than speaking something straightforward that can cause
discomfort or distress.

Although the preceding discussion tends to excuse a lie teller, it does not justify lying as an
entrenched habit. Honesty is still being regarded as a core virtue in many traditions. There is little
doubt that a man who is known for his candour is more likely to earn respect than a man lying
habitually. A truth-telling environment is what communities are striving to establish. Lying should
not be allowed unless it is appropriate, as it creates an ethos of distrust.

From what has been discussed, it is unfair to label lying as an unethical act. People's moral
standing depends as much on their willingness to look after others' feelings and please others for
better moods as on their adherence to truth. While telling a lie is accepted or even recommended
in some situations, telling the truth is what people pursue as an honourable tradition.

1. untruth = lie = falsehood

2. context = background = circumstance = environment
3. absurd = ridiculous = bizarre = illogical = meaningless
4. justification = reason = explanation
5. benign = kind = benevolent
6. diagnose = detect
7. frame of mind = mental condition
8. goodwill = kindness = friendliness = benevolence
9. banter = tease = joke
10.amusement = pleasure = enjoyment = laughter = delight
11.compliment = praise = pay tribute to = remark favourably on
12.spare = save
13.excuse = forgive
14.entrenched = ingrained = deep-rooted = fixed = unshakable