A few years ago I met a man who read only non-fiction. He said there are too many amazing true stories to spend time reading make believe. Part of me agreed with that idea and I began focusing my reading on non-fiction as well, beginning with It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong.
What an inspiring story. I was genuinely impressed.
Fighting cancer, winning the Tour de France seven times.
What a legend.
Then years later, the truth comes out.
He cheated his way to victory.
So here I am caught in a dilemma... How many non-fiction books that I read should really be considered fiction? Lance Armstrong wrote an international bestseller, spent years lying to the world, and essentially became a hero because of those lies.
How many other people get away with similar dishonesty every single day? There was a similar scandal with author Greg Mortenson and his book Three Cups of Tea.
The deceit is disheartening. Especially because it highlights a lack of integrity throughout all of society. How many people lie to my face each day and I believe them? Is it naive to be a trusting person? Is it better to be a skeptic or a cynic? Is that what kind of society we want to create?
Unfortunately, many pressures exist to encourage dishonesty.
Admitting to a lie can be harder than being honest in the first place.
Lance deserves respect for taking accountability.
I hope we are creating a world that allows people to change.
I hope we are remembering that we are all imperfect.
I hope Lance Armstrong has another Journey Back to Life, this time keeping his integrity.
