Truth, Lies, and the Cost of Deception: A Test with Kadija Nile

Host:

“Kadija, we’ve heard about your sharp intuition and ability to read people and situations. Today, we want to test that. We’re going to show you a few clips and ask for your analysis. Ready?”

Kadija:

“Always. Let’s get to it.”

[The first clip begins. It shows a man kneeling, holding out his hand as if he has a treat for his dog. The dog eagerly approaches, only to discover the hand is empty. The man then attaches a leash to the dog’s collar.]

Host:

“Alright, Kadija, what’s your take? Is this harmless, playful behavior, or does it show something deeper?”

Kadija:

“That man is a liar.”

Host:

“A liar? Isn’t that a bit much? It’s just a harmless trick to get the dog leashed.”

Kadija:

“No, it’s not just a harmless trick. In this world, you are either one of two things when it comes to truth and lies: you’re either truthful, or you’re a liar. There’s no middle ground. Sure, you might see people who are ‘50–50,’ but let me explain how this actually works.

“If someone is truthful 95% of the time, and the remaining 5% of the time they make a mistake — because we’re all human — when they come to you, what do you expect? You expect the truth. And if they make a rare mistake, you know it’s just that — a mistake.

“Now, on the opposite end of the spectrum, if someone is a liar 95% of the time, with only 5% of their words being true, what do you expect from them? Nothing but lies. And if, by some accident, they tell the truth, you know it’s just that — an accident.

“But here’s the real issue: those people in the so-called ‘50–50’ category. When they come to you, you don’t know whether to expect a lie or the truth. It’s situational. It’s based on whatever they feel like or whatever benefits them in the moment. So when your life — or any critical decision — is on the line, would you want to gamble on someone who’s 50–50? Would you stake everything on their word? Of course not. Because you don’t know what to expect. And that unpredictability makes them, effectively, a liar.”

Host:

“Okay, but what does this have to do with the guy and the dog? Isn’t it just a playful interaction?”

Kadija:

“If he can lie to his dog — a creature he has a certain level of control over — it tells you everything you need to know about his default setting. His default is deception.

“Now imagine situations where he’s under pressure, afraid, or tempted. If he’s already comfortable lying in something as simple as this, how much more will he lie when there’s something significant on the line? His behavior shows he has no issue with using dishonesty to achieve his goals. That’s not someone you want to trust, ever.”

Host:

“That’s a strong stance. Let’s switch it up a bit. What about a wartime deserter? Would you view them the same way?”

Kadija:

“Absolutely. Let me paint you a scenario. Imagine there’s a high-ranking officer from the opposing side who deserts their camp and comes to your side, claiming they’ve seen the error of their ways and wants to join your cause. My immediate advice? Jail them.”

Host:

“Jail them? Isn’t that extreme? Couldn’t they be a valuable ally?”

Kadija:

“No. And here’s why. This person has already shown they’re willing to abandon their side, their responsibilities, and their commitments. Whether their intentions are genuine or not, they’ve demonstrated that loyalty isn’t a principle they live by. If they could betray their own side, what’s stopping them from betraying you when circumstances change again?

“Trust is not a gamble, especially in war. If this deserter truly believes in your cause, jailing them isn’t punishment — it’s precaution. It’s about ensuring they don’t have the opportunity to undermine you. Their past actions make them unreliable until proven otherwise.”

Host:

“But isn’t there a risk of losing a potential ally if they’re actually genuine?”

Kadija:

“Yes, but the risk of betrayal is far greater. Imagine you take them in, give them access to your plans, and rely on their so-called ‘loyalty’. Then one day, they decide you’re not worth it anymore. Now they’ve betrayed you with all your secrets in hand. That’s a disaster you can’t afford.

“On the other hand, if you jail them and verify their intentions, you might lose a genuine ally, but that loss is far less damaging than a betrayal. This is about minimizing risk and protecting your side.”

Host:

“So it’s all about risk management?”

Kadija:

“It’s about understanding human behavior. Character doesn’t change overnight. People show you who they are through their actions, not their words. If someone has demonstrated a pattern of betrayal or dishonesty, believe them. You can’t gamble on their redemption when lives and critical decisions are at stake.”

Host:

“Kadija, this is an intense perspective. What’s the main lesson for anyone listening?”

Kadija:

“The lesson is simple: trust is binary. You’re either trustworthy or you’re not. And if you’ve shown that you can lie or betray in small things, don’t expect anyone to trust you in big things. Integrity isn’t situational — it’s a constant.

“So whether it’s lying to a dog or deserting in wartime, the principle is the same. Your actions reveal your character. And if your character is flawed, it’s only a matter of time before that flaw impacts something significant. Be honest. Be loyal. And if you can’t, don’t expect anyone to gamble their trust on you.”

Host:

“Powerful words, as always. Thank you, Kadija.”

Kadija:

“My pleasure. Remember: your actions define you, whether you realize it or not.”