Nice things make people feel better, and we don’t want people to feel bad. So we often say things in ways that could be true without telling the truth. On the other hand, “kindness” is on display when we tell people what they need to hear. It may be uncomfortable, but we can work together to improve on the bad. We can strengthen our friends by serving some hope without trying to avoid the truth. We ought to share the truth.
AN EXAMPLE
CNN Health (an online newsletter), September 10, 2025: Putting it nicely,
“A massive US measles outbreak has slowed but the start of the school year brings renewed risk of spread.”
The language above is not accurate. To be honest and kind,
“A massive US measles outbreak has slowed but the start of the school year will bring more infections.”
Please stop equivocating. Avoiding the truth is not helpful. Please be smart and honest, not so nice.
Politicians don’t need to promise, “A country that is so great that the world has never seen anything like it.” Instead, politicians can promise to build, “A country that has more happy, safe, and prosperous people than any other in history.”
Maybe the issue is what makes a “great” country. “Great” can be military and economic power that assures that our leader’s values will prevail. Or, a “great” country can have happy, safe, and prosperous people with leaders who work for the health, wealth, and happiness of all men, women, and children.
I will vote for leaders who want all people to thrive. That includes thriving businesses that support the needs of the people.
