Morally permissible to live a lie? And why?

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

I read about a kid during the American Civil War who wrote “17” on a scrap of paper and put it in his shoe, and when he went to the recruiting office, told them he was “above 17”.

Yeah, it was a lie, and I’m sure he found out very quickly that war wasn’t the glorious adventure he thought it would be.

But it is funny.

 

[JimG]

I don’t know why this is always made into such a big issue. I knew a woman who, whenever she was greeted with a “Hi, how are you?” always answered “Just fine!” with great enthusiasm. Her reply made everyone else feel good too. But the reply of “Just fine!” was given no matter how her life was going that day. I refuse to believe that she was guilty of any lying whatever.

I have also known people who, when asked the same question, give a detailed rundown of their problems. It makes everyone depressed. I’d prefer the happy answer over the complainer every time. Is the complainer the truth teller?

 

[ZMystiCat]

But the reply of “Just fine!” was given no matter how her life was going that day.

I’m not really sure that the example is relevant here, because:

1. The person may take it as to how they feel about life, not how well life is treating them.
2. For many, “good” and “fine” are basically just automatic, thoughtless responses, which wouldn’t count under the Catechism’s definition of lying. It may not even count under Aquinas’.

 

[JimG]

Does this outfit make me look fat?
Not at all, you always look great.

Jack, this is Mr. Grinch, our corporate president.
Hello, I’m pleased to meet you.

Can civil society survive without civility?
Civility means telling polite lies.