These are two wonderful words that produce an amazing juxtaposition of terms, definitions, and intent in living and in life. Truthlessness embodies lies and deceit, fooling others while sometimes tricking yourself into believing that the tangled web you have created has shreds and evidence of honesty and integrity. Young children often tell lies to save themselves trouble and punishment. It is difficult to be honest when a swat or a grounding will result and dishonesty will permit a handy escape. But hopefully as the child grows and experiences more of live, s/he will realize that while a lie may be followed by a penalty it is still the best method, the wisest choice in the long run. The truth is a multi-faceted charm.
Truthfulness on the other hand embodies truth and candor, openness that is direct and reliable, built on faithfulness and dedication to others and/or the common good. When someone is truthful s/he still possesses desires and wishes but is also able to look at a situation or problem from many angles to discover the answer that best serves all concerned. While sometimes the truth may hurt, like when you are denied a promotion or do not receive a promised bonus, there is an opportunity to learn as well. This learning may be positive as in, "She worked harder and had more clever ideas than I did and so she deserved this promotion. Because of this I will work to become more productive and far-sighted by... " Or the learning may be negative, "The boss loves him and so I never really had a chance. I just think I will fume and stew for a while. I'll show that ol' boss... "
Either response is possible and I suppose the degree of truthlessness or truthfulness varies in every situation and perspective. So I guess it is essential to examine situations through a multitude or at least a couple of lenses - yours, that of your strongest opponent, and perhaps a mid-stream opinion. After all, everyone has lived different experiences and has thus developed different ways of thinking, responding, and doing.
How does one move to total truthfulness, especially with extensive experience in truthlessness? Some children, for example, are raised in lies. Parents lie to the boss or to child welfare or to food stamp providers and so the kids think this is just the way to live. Mom begs on the street and "earns" hundreds of dollars a day so it must be an honorable and honest profession. How does an outsider explain and exemplify how truthfulness is far more beneficial and rewarding? The best a leader can do, I guess, is lead but a truthful example and demand that of all employees and others with whom s/he works and interacts does so as well.
Maybe that is the only way to guide to truthfulness, one leader/parent/director/teacher at a time living in honesty and integrity, admitting strengths and recognizing and working on changing weaknesses. Imagine a world of total truth. Tough skin would be an initial requirement because the truth can be spikey and pokey, painful and nightmarish. But then once you knew with total belief that only sincerity and uprightness exist and there is no need of fear because there is no danger, just authenticity, wow! What a safe and creatively exciting world would appear.
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