I tell friends in the pub on the quiet and let the rumours spead untill everybody is cynical enough to beleive

If it means a day off then I say let the lie keep going. Plus there is always the chance they'll choose to ignore you, even if you have evidence.

The Truth always comes out. Always. No matter what.

The Truth always comes out. Always. No matter what.

'scuse me, The Secret Government would like a word with you...

'scuse me, The Secret Government would like a word with you...

'scuse me, I'd like a word with the Secret Government...

Well, revealing the hoax and letting them continue to believe in it aren't mutually exclusive; there would probably be people who would cling to it anyway. But it might be worth pointing out that the "no one is served by telling them what's going on" part assumes that we would know what effect telling them what's going on would have. Granted, it being hypothetical, it doesn't have to be realistic, but I'm just making a more general point about the concepts of it. If something depends on ignorance and knowledge is harmful to it, that's a problem itself to begin with. If a major part of their identity isn't even true, isn't that worth pointing out? If they depend on a hoax for fun and income, shouldn't they be willing to look elsewhere for it?

That said, I'm not quite sure what I'd do.

I'm with Nel on this one. Is there a day off involved for me? If so, who am I to ruin such fine tradition. =D

To be honest though, it depends on one major factor. Is this event important to me in any way shape or form? If it is, and I discovered the truth, I would want other people to know. If it's not important to me, it's not my place to ruin it for other people.

I'm with Nel on this one. Is there a day off involved for me? If so, who am I to ruin such fine tradition. =D

To be honest though, it depends on one major factor. Is this event important to me in any way shape or form? If it is, and I discovered the truth, I would want other people to know. If it's not important to me, it's not my place to ruin it for other people.

So hold back from exposing a hoax, because you think the truth about it might "ruin it" for people? Even if you told them, it's up to them whether to accept it or not. If they're dependent on something that isn't even real for their identity or fun or income, wouldn't exposing the hoax encourage them to seek such things elsewhere? Why would just feeding their addiction to a hoax be better?

Speaking of "addiction" that analogy reminds me of a Richard Dawkins quote about religion: "If the only justification for religion is that it makes people happy, then you might as well all take drugs, and make yourselves happy that way." (not sure if I necessarily agree with it, but it's somewhat relevant to the reality vs. appealing hoax kind of scenario)

I'd say in the long run, exposing does little.

On the extreme side, it'd be like mentioning Easter celebrations are actually pagen fertility rituals, people will still go ahead and paint their eggs. On the light side it's like mentioning "The Pursuit of Happiness" is based on a drug dealing guy's adventures who was rather abusive, deadbeat and mean... but all that is glossed over for Will Smith's charisma.

The world is too idealistic and full of half-truths and fantasies based on reality. It's harmless, really, to allow these lies to continue as they offer good feelings and good times. It's like DEATH said in Hogfather, "Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape. Yes. As practice, you have to start out learning to believe the little lies. Yes. Justice, mercy, duty. That sort of thing."

It's like DEATH said in Hogfather, "Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape. Yes. As practice, you have to start out learning to believe the little lies. Yes. Justice, mercy, duty. That sort of thing."

Quoted and bolded for truth, justice and Discworld.