<p>You know the drill. Thanks.</p>
<p>Folk wisdom says that honesty is always the best policy. American author Jessamyn West agrees: "I have done more harm by the falseness of trying to please than by by the honesty of trying to hurt." Yet some people believe that the truth, if it is not cushioned by tact, can hurt. In fact, the Roman writer Ausonius wrote, "Veritas odium parit," or "Truth produces hatred."</p>
<p>Prompt - What is your opinion of the claim that sometimes honesty is not the best policy? In an essay, blah blah blah...</p>
<p>Honesty is not always the best policy. In many situations, honesty can kill all hope of an unprobable outcome, such as an inferior football team playing one of the best teams in the state. Also, as Roman writer Ausonious wrote, "Truth produces hatred." If a person such as a boss wishes for your opinion on something they are wearing, it is probably better to say it looks good. Honesty can cause problems, and sometimes it is better to lie.</p>
<p>Last year, my football team was decent. We beat the bad teams but lost to the good ones. One particular week, our upcoming opponent was very good. In fact, they were the top ranked team in the state. Nobody picked us to win. Despite the probable loss, we maintained a positive mentality. We worked hard all week, telling ourselves that we would win. It was necessary to maintain this blind optimism, as otherwise we would have lost all lust to play. It paid off, as we defeated the team that Friday. Contrary to the popular consensus of the mdedia, we told ourselves little "white lies" all week, and eventually we came to believe them.</p>
<p>A necessary type of lie is a lie to refrain from hurting another's feelings. Yesterday, my teacher Mrs. Barkley asked me if I liked her sweater. I was indifferent in regards to the sweater, but I told her that I liked it. Had I told her the truth, she might have been offended, and it could have soured our relationship. In order to remain on good terms with someone, it sometimes is necessary to lie. In the end, this is beneficial to both parties.</p>
<p>In both of the situations that were discuessed, it was better to lie than to be completely honest. Had the lies not been told, the alternative results would most likely have been less favorable. Sometimes it is better not to be honest, as complete candor can lead to undesired results.</p>