John Dickerson: 'Michael Flynn was forced to resign, we are told, because he told a big lie. But what about the little ones?'

Michael Flynn was forced to resign, we are told, because he told a big lie. But what about the little ones?

In a recent quote by John Dickerson, the focus is on the consequences of lying. Michael Flynn, the former United States National Security Advisor, was said to have resigned due to a significant falsehood. However, Dickerson raises an interesting point by questioning the attention given to this "big lie" while seemingly disregarding the impact of the "little ones." This quote not only brings attention to the importance of truthfulness in our society but also lays the groundwork for a deeper philosophical concept - the ethics of lying.At first glance, the quote suggests that Flynn's resignation was a result of a single substantial untruth. However, the underlying point is that lies, regardless of their size, have consequences. In the case of Flynn, the magnitude of his lie could have had far-reaching implications for national security and trust in the government. The focus on this big lie overshadows the countless smaller lies that often go unaddressed but can have rippling effects in our personal and societal interactions.The philosophical concept that can be introduced here is the ethical dilemma surrounding lies. The idea of lying has been debated by philosophers for centuries— is lying ever justified? Ethical theories such as utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics offer different perspectives on the matter. Utilitarianism, for example, argues that lying can be justified if it leads to the greatest overall happiness or utility. On the other hand, deontology holds that lying is inherently wrong because it violates moral obligations, such as telling the truth. Virtue ethics, meanwhile, focuses on the development of personal character and honesty as a virtuous trait.Considering the ethics of lying in the context of the little lies, the impact becomes more complex. While Flynn's big lie had severe consequences, the accumulation of smaller lies in our daily lives can erode trust and jeopardize relationships. Little lies can sometimes be seen as innocent, harmless, or even well-intentioned, but they contribute to a culture of dishonesty. In a society where trust forms the foundation of our interactions, the little lies we tell can slowly erode that trust, leading to a breakdown in communication, understanding, and collaboration.This quote by Dickerson provokes us to reflect on our own truthfulness and the consequences of our actions. It encourages us to examine the role of honesty in our relationships and to consider how a culture of little lies can shape our society. Are we holding ourselves accountable for the little lies we tell, or are we ignoring their significance?In the grand scheme of things, both big and little lies have the potential to disrupt the fabric of trust within our personal lives, communities, and institutions. While the immediate consequences of a big lie like Flynn's resignation may grab headlines, the cumulative effect of the little lies should not be underestimated. Perhaps it is time we give more thought to the impact of our own words and strive for greater truthfulness in our daily lives.In conclusion, John Dickerson's quote sheds light on the significance of lies, not only the big ones but also the little ones. This quote provides a pathway to delve into the ethical considerations of lying and prompts us to assess the consequences of our own actions. By examining the impact of both big and little lies, we can begin to foster a more honest and trustworthy society, where integrity and truthfulness are valued above all else.