What rules can be followed by someone dedicated to the truth?
This activity is designed to assist students in the process of developing personal and professional ethics as they become more adept and competent at communicating with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Evaluate the following arbitrary rules of interaction:
First, never speak about a falsehood.
Second, bear in mind that the act of withholding the truth is always potentially a lie; and that in each instance in which the truth is withheld, a significant moral decision is required.
Third, the decision to withhold the truth should never be based on personal needs, such as a need for power, a need to be liked, or a need for protection from challenge.
Fourth, and conversely, the decision to withhold the truth must always be based entirely upon the needs of the person or people from whom the truth is being withheld.
Fifth, the assessment of another’s needs is an act of responsibility, which is so complex that it can only be executed wisely when one operates with genuine love for the other.
Sixth, the primary factor in the assessment of another’s needs is the assessment of that person’s capacity to utilize the truth for his or her own spiritual growth.
Finally, in assessing the capacity of another to utilize the truth for spiritual growth, it should be borne in mind that our tendency is to underestimate rather than overestimate this capacity
