Chapter 34
When Truth Becomes a Burden
FALSE AND TRUE. “Truth will fail thee never, never! Though thy bark be tempest-driven, Though each plank be rent and riven, Truth will bear thee on for ever!” ANON. The “bearing up better than likely” was a terrible strain upon Margaret. Sometimes she thought she must give way, and cry out with pain, as the sudden sharp thought came across her, even during her apparently cheerful conversations with her father, that she had no longer a mother. About Frederick, too, there was great uneasiness. The Sunday post intervened, and interfered with their London letters; and on Tuesday Margaret was surprised…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Moral Emergency Plan
Think of a situation where you might face Margaret's dilemma - protecting someone you love could require you to lie or break a rule. Write down the situation, then map out: What would be at stake for each person involved? What would happen if you told the complete truth? What would happen if you lied? What middle ground options might exist that you haven't considered?
Consider:
- •Consider both immediate consequences and long-term effects of each choice
- •Think about who has the real power in the situation and who is most vulnerable
- •Ask yourself: Am I protecting someone from injustice or helping them avoid responsibility?
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between honesty and protecting someone. What did you learn about yourself and your values from that experience?
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
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