September 7, 2007
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Truth or Dare?
i think it would be interesting to write a short story about a society (of humans similar to Americans) in which it was impossible to tell a lie (maybe people have built in “truth detectors” or something) …. and the story would illustrate how people would still figure out ways to manipulate the truth to hurt others.
I heard Tom from B93.7 talking about how if it were impossible to tell lies, society would completely & radically change, for people would suddenly be forced into being truthful. He figured that would solve a lot of society’s ills. “Eutopia via truth detectors!” [This came from a radio discussion of one cell phone company giving people the ability to track a particular cell phone’s GPS indicator. They were arguing whether people should keep tabs on their spouse to make sure they aren’t cheating. Tom figured GPS-induced honesty might cut down on lying & cheating in marriage.)
I think sinners would just sharpen their skills of truth-manipulation.
Comments (2)
Ah, are you watching his TV show on Xanga?
yeah im with you on that one. the books im reading, the wheel of time series, there are a group of woman that after a certain point they make an oath to tell no lies, and they can’t break it. so they all become very good at twisting the truth, and making things seem more than they are. in some ways it does more harm than good. it was designed to make them trustworthy but had almost the opposite affect.
I dont think that if everyone was unable to lie all of a sudden it would change things for the better, tho it sounds weird to say so.