Pathway to Japanese Literature
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| Original Title | 嘘の効用 |
|---|---|
| Author | 末弘 厳太郎 |
| Genre | Modern Short Fiction |
| Author Type | Male Author |
| Summary | In a world where lies are universally condemned, their paradoxical necessity within legal systems reveals a profound truth about justice and humanity. This exploration delves into how rigid laws often clash with human compassion, compelling judges and societies to wield deception as a tool for mercy. Through historical vignettes—a cunning magistrate fabricating facts to spare the vulnerable, Roman jurists redefining “monstrous” births to absolve grieving mothers, or modern prosecutors discreetly overlooking infractions—the narrative uncovers lies not as moral failures but as bridges between unyielding statutes and evolving social conscience. \nThe text probes timeless tensions: Can fairness coexist with inflexible rules? How do “noble lies” preserve trust in institutions? From whispered courtroom fictions to systemic evasions shielding citizens from draconian edicts, it challenges readers to reconsider lies as vital correctives when laws grow ossified. Yet lurking beneath is a warning—when legal systems ignore human needs, deception flourishes not as virtue but survival. \nBlending jurisprudential analysis with vivid storytelling, this work invites reflection on whether true justice demands perfect truth or pragmatic compromise, leaving readers to ponder where they might draw the line—and why. |
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