What do you guys think is the greatest lie ever told?
I remember hearing from somewhere – I think it was from the film Revolver – that apparently the greatest lie ever told was that “we are our thoughts”. It is a lie, but I don’t think it’s the greatest lie ever told. Certainly not as groundbreaking as the “pioneers” featured at the end of the film made it out to be.
There are some very interesting, somewhat Americanised answers on Yahoo! Answers, which I found when doing a tiny bit of research. I particularly like the one about the myth of living in a “free” society.
Before today, I would have nominated the time old classic statement, “be yourself“, as the greatest lie ever told.
I’m not even talking about girls, women, guys, men, or anything to do with sex; in general it’s a convenient way of avoiding the acceptance of another person as they are. As long as that person you don’t like stays the same (which is really what you’re saying when you tell them to “be themselves”), you have a reason not to like them.
But although “be yourself” is often a lie, it’s also a truth that we would do well to remember: be yourself, because everyone else is taken. And occasionally it’s good advice.
Another potential nominee in my book is the idea that confidence comes from external things – in particular, buying certain products, associating only with certain types of people and taking part in certain types of activities. I’m always reminded of this great myth whenever I see those adverts on the Underground for cosmetic surgery (which is never about confidence, but seeking approval from others).
These things can make someone feel good (and mostly for a few minutes or hours), but that’s not what confidence really is.
I do have an opinion on what the greatest lie ever told is, but I’m going to let you guys think about yours before I reveal it. I’d like to hear your views.
Tags: adverts, Classic Statement, confidence, Cosmetic Surgery, Few Minutes, Myth, Truth, Yahoo, Yahoo Answers