I think it depends on the level of awareness.

I would say of the person speaking. But there are also different levels or kinds of truth (look at the controversy surrounding writers rigoberta menchu & james frey).

And even a person with the intent to mislead might have a longer term goal of broadening awareness.

So, uh.

loaded question, we all lie. how about: if someone doesn't tell you the truth, is it wrong? perhaps the truth should be dispensed according to the need to know.