I don't know if we can (probably not). But I've often wondered how much simpler and sweeter life would be, how much stronger we all would be, if honesty prevailed.
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Shinier than a speeding bullet.
True. But then there would be no yin and no yang. Life would be so perfect that change would become inevitable, and lies would be abound. I wonder if there are moments on Earth when everything is true for a split second, like; is there ever a time when someone isn't taking a crap? Is there ever a moment when someone on Earth isn't talking?
To answer your question: is telling lies part of nature, I would argue that it may or may not be part of human nature. To further elaborate, I'd note that human beings are self-interested, and if telling a lie meant preserving a strong interest, humans will do so. The only (rare) exception would be someone to whom the interest of honesty trascends everything else or at least, everything he or she's got on the line. So the act itself isn't really similar to eating and breathing (Since those are basic needs), but it most certainly stems from the natural human self interest mode.
To answer the topic question: Can we live without lies? the answer is yes. Probably not for very long (Since telling the truth can get you in all sorts of trouble), but it is possible. Prudent? Depends on how you look at it. The only reason to not lie would be to further some personal code of honor, or to perhaps take responsibility for your own actions and thoughts. Otherwise, not lying would be almost wasteful. Everybody lies.
A lie is anything short of absolute truth. Truth does not vary, it is the always so. It never leads one to anything but itself. A lie is misleading and twisted, it leads to speculation.
Can one live without lies? Yes, by realizing he is part of the always so....as long as he tells the truth.
Shonti
It is human nature to do that which is forbidden or scolded upon (which is why people curse so much in society). So if lying becomes morally correct and telling the truth becomes something to punish little children for, then people might start telling the truth a bit more.