A subject of constant debate is “What is truth?” Sometimes saintly people lie in order to protect the innocent. Diplomacy is generally regarded in the Vedas as insincere and deceitful. An interesting, if somewhat exceptional mantra from the Srimad Bhagavatam puts it like this: “Truthfulness means to speak the truth in a pleasing way.” (Canto 11, Ch.19 – contained within the verses 36-39)