The Curious World of Scars: A Tale of Truth and Deception

Sophia Moonstone

Updated Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM CDT

In a world where lies leave visible scars, the impact of deceit is not just emotional but physical as well. Each falsehood etches its mark upon the liar's body, with the size and depth of the scar reflecting the magnitude of the lie. But what happens when you encounter someone with only one scar, yet it is the largest one you've ever seen? This intriguing scenario was presented in a captivating writing prompt on the subreddit '/r/WritingPrompts', sparking the imagination of countless users.

The writing prompt, posted by a user named "LotsOfDragons," invites readers to explore a world where lies manifest as physical scars. With a timestamp indicating the post was made one day ago, the prompt quickly gained traction within the subreddit. The prompt itself is enclosed in brackets and labeled as "[WP]", signifying its categorization as a writing prompt.

As we delve into the comments section, it becomes evident that this thought-provoking concept has struck a chord with individuals from various walks of life. One user expresses their admiration for the prompt, stating, "Love this every time I come across it." The power of the prompt to captivate and resonate with readers is further highlighted by another comment that exclaims, "Wow. First time I’ve seen this. Wow."

The impact of the prompt is not limited to its novelty. Users also praise the concise and descriptive writing style employed, as one comment notes, "That's a really nicely concise & descriptive writing style." However, some users mention that they have encountered a similar response to the prompt, albeit with a different twist involving a healer instead of an instructor. This revelation sparks a discussion about the diverse interpretations and creative possibilities that arise from a single writing prompt.

While many users appreciate the creativity of the prompt, others find themselves grappling with its implications. One user admits feeling confused, confessing, "I feel super dumb but I don't get it :-(" Another user raises an interesting point, questioning the definition of a lie in this world. They argue that since a lie would leave a visible scar, people would speak with utmost honesty, akin to the mythical fae. The ethical and philosophical dimensions of this concept provoke further contemplation among readers.

The responses to the writing prompt also reveal the profound impact of lies in our own reality. One user reflects on the duality of human nature, stating, "Humans are the worst. How can we write something as poetic as this and also be so callous to create real-life versions of it every year." The complex nature of deception and its consequences is further explored as users contemplate scenarios where lies result in catastrophic outcomes or even death.

Beyond the realm of personal reflection, the writing prompt has also inspired creative endeavors outside of the subreddit. One user shares how the story has influenced the creation of an original character with a unique power. This character serves as a living lie detector, incapable of lying without inflicting harm upon themselves, much like the individuals in the prompt. The scar on their back symbolizes a lie they told themselves in their youth, a wound that has never fully healed.

As the comments section unfolds, the conversation branches out to related topics. Users ponder whether games like poker, where bluffing is a fundamental aspect, would be affected by the scar-inducing consequences of deception. Others draw parallels between the prompt and the practice of lying in everyday life, highlighting the ubiquity of seemingly insignificant lies that we tell on a regular basis.

The impact of the writing prompt extends beyond the confines of the subreddit. One user shares a link to another work by the same author, a reincarnation isekai story featuring a protagonist transformed into a tiny snake in a colossal dungeon. The diverse range of creative narratives and themes explored by the author further exemplifies the power of storytelling within online communities.

As we conclude our exploration of this intriguing writing prompt, it is clear that the concept of scars as physical manifestations of lies has struck a chord with readers. The comments section highlights the thought-provoking nature of the prompt, the creative possibilities it evokes, and the ethical dilemmas it raises. Whether we view lies as wounds that never truly heal or as necessary tools in certain circumstances, the power of storytelling lies in its ability to inspire contemplation and introspection.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

twentydollarbanana

Love this every time I come across it.

LeeBraden

For those trying to find it - https://www.reddit.com/r/WritingPrompts/comments/5kxe94/wp_you_live_in_a_world_where_each_lie_creates_a/dbrckqz/

TotallyNotSarcastic

Wow. First time I’ve seen this. Wow.

TurboCartoonSmuggler

Woweee, that's a really nicely concise & descriptive writing style. Me who will take a paragraph to SAY a sentence is jealous, but it's not likely a first draft either..

dormantmayonnaise

I swear I’ve seen another response to this prompt - very similar, but maybe about a healer who says the same thing, not an instructor?

Sickmindsmakehistory

I feel super dumb but I don't get it :-(

motherofcats18

I refuse to tell my patients that it's going to be alright. It's the equivalent to saying it's quiet in my head. Things won't be alright if you say they will be. I always tell them 'Ive got you' instead

mondomar

Wow and yikes.

JohnSmithterms

Humans are the worst. How can we write something as poetic as this and also be so callous to create real life versions of it every year.

hairbearbunch66

I couldn't get past the premise. I mean, it's not really a lie if it leaves a visible scar. A scar would be rare cause we would speak like the fae.

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