Lying: The Silent Destroyer of Happiness

The article, A lie and its deleterious effects by T.K. Mishra provides a compelling examination of how dishonesty can profoundly impact our well-being and relationships. While lies may seem harmless or even beneficial in the short term, they often carry a heavy psychological toll that erodes our happiness over time.

Lying affects us on multiple levels. Personally, it generates guilt, anxiety, and fear of discovery. The mental effort required to maintain falsehoods creates cognitive dissonance - an uncomfortable state where our actions contradict our values and self-image. This inner conflict chips away at our peace of mind and authenticity.

The damage extends beyond the individual. Families and even entire nations can suffer when deceit takes root among their members or leaders. Trust, which forms the foundation of healthy relationships and societies, becomes fractured.

Ironically, many lies are told with the intention of preserving happiness or avoiding conflict. However, this short-term thinking ultimately backfires. The temporary relief or pleasure gained comes at the cost of genuine contentment and self-respect.

A lie and its deleterious effects, TK Mishra. In: The Hindu, Sunday Magazine, 13 October 2024

True, lasting happiness stems from living authentically, making meaningful contributions, and staying true to oneself. By eroding these core principles, deception obstructs our path to fulfilment. To cultivate real happiness, we must embrace honesty - even when difficult - and align our actions with our values.

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