Why tell the truth? From childhood, we are taught to tell the truth and it is demanded that we do not go against it. But where does this necessity to tell the truth come from? In what ways is the truth superior to lies?

Why tell the truth? From childhood, we are taught to tell the truth and it is demanded that we do not go against it. But where does this necessity to tell the truth come from? In what ways is the truth superior to lies?

One sacred commandment attests to the importance of telling the truth. The ninth commandment of the Old Testament states, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." God is identified with the truth, and lying is seen as something that turns humans away from God. During the Renaissance, there was a lively debate surrounding the question of whether a society of atheists was possible. Most people believed that the respect for certain rules came primarily from religion and the fear of God. Therefore, it seemed difficult to imagine a society of atheists.

Telling the truth is not only a sacred duty recommended by religious texts, but it is also an existential need. Each individual wants to tell the truth in order to respect their conscience. Since society expects each of its members to tell the truth, it becomes a social obligation. Furthermore, its universal nature shows that it is a moral principle.

Telling the truth is connected to a social requirement. It is the condition for mutual trust among members and, consequently, for living in society. Without truth, trust cannot be established and maintained. Therefore, telling the truth is essential for the functioning of society.

In addition to being a social and moral obligation, telling the truth is also a principle of morality. According to Kant, the morality of an action depends on the quality of its intention. Did I act solely to fulfill my duty, in such a way that the maxim of my action could be universalized? Telling the truth is a moral principle because lying cannot be universalized.

Moving on to the concept of freedom, it is the possibility of choosing the direction of our existence in certain given situations. But is freedom itself a matter of choice? Can we choose not to be free? Is choosing not to be free still a choice?

According to Sartre, "Man is condemned to be free." Freedom is an inherent characteristic of human beings. It is not a static state but a historical becoming. Freedom is an ongoing process of liberation, intellectually, morally, and politically, against all forms of dependency. Therefore, freedom is a natural and inalienable right, even for oneself. Slavery cannot be a right. The only natural right is the right to be born and remain free. Rousseau also argues against the idea of voluntary submission, which he sees as unnatural. He denounces the "false social contract" defended by Hobbes, which he sees as a contract of submission between the wolf and the lamb. Civil or political submission can only be a disguised power relationship.

Rousseau claims that we cannot renounce freedom. We are free by nature. This freedom is not abstract but always "in situation." We do not choose our family, our time period, or our situation of war or peace. The situation is given to us without our determination. Living in times of war leads to different choices (resistance or collaboration) than those we would have to make in times of peace. Sartre even argues that the more restrictive the situation, the more freedom we have. Man is not a nature, but a radical freedom. He completely chooses his existence and is fully responsible for it. "Existence precedes essence." Freedom precedes nature. According to Sartre, we are "condemned to be free." Invoking physical, psychological, or social determinism is a form of bad faith that seeks excuses to avoid taking responsibility for our freedom. Radical atheism radicalizes freedom. Its loss can only be the result of alienation, which makes humans dependent on a superior and unjust force.

In conclusion, telling the truth and being free are two fundamental aspects of human existence. Both have societal, moral, and existential implications. Society relies on truth for trust and cooperation. Morally, telling the truth is a universal principle that upholds the dignity of individuals. Freedom, on the other hand, is an inherent characteristic of human beings, allowing them to shape their own lives and take responsibility for their actions.

Three actionable advice to incorporate these ideas into our lives are:

• 1. Cultivate honesty: Practice telling the truth in all aspects of your life, whether it is in your personal relationships or professional endeavors. By being honest, you contribute to building trust and fostering a healthier society.

• 2. Embrace freedom: Recognize the importance of freedom in your life and make conscious choices that align with your values and desires. Take responsibility for the consequences of your actions and embrace the opportunities that freedom offers.

• 3. Question societal norms: Reflect on the norms and expectations imposed by society and evaluate whether they align with your own values and beliefs. Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more inclusive and just society.

By incorporating these ideas and actions into our lives, we can contribute to the creation of a society that values truth, freedom, and individual responsibility.