Honest Lies: The Truth about Lying

An oxymoronic title for a book? If I was honest, it depends; if I was really honest, it is true! How can I entitle a book 'Honest Lies? Easy really, for many of us have done and do so on a frequent basis. We may call truthful or honest lies 'white lies', which are certainly not as bad as 'big' lies or 'serious' lies - are they? I sometimes watch a UK TV programme called 'Would I lie to you?' where two teams must work out if the opposition are lying or not, from various statements being read out. As each team member is a celebrity, often comedians, or TV stars, there is quite a lot of amusing banter, role play and so on, but overall, it's surprising how 'good' some can lie! Though I don't recommend that we use the well-worn phrase 'Cross my heart and hope to die' as it just may come true! It may indicate that we are telling the truth, but I would hope that we shouldn't have to. We will never be lie-free as humans, but we should aim to be so.