Honesty

Many people think honesty is truth, justice or simply not lying. For this reason, many people choose not to lie, cheat or steal. Although that is an appropriate definition to understand honesty, we have to go beyond the meaning. Webster defines honesty as fair and truthful, being free from deceit, genuine, real. This includes manipulation or misleading statements or actions with the intent to deceive. Honesty is not just truth but truthfulness, which includes the intent of that truth. It is more than truth; it deals with motives and intents. When we swear under oath we pledge to “tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth”.

Honesty is probably the greatest of all human values. It gives us great personal benefits and even greater community and national rewards. It establishes a solid foundation for us as individuals. We cannot separate truth from honesty; truth is the expression and substance of being honest. Our society craves to see honest leaders and government officials. Honesty is always the right thing to do.

1. Financial - Think of all the money that could be saved when there is no money spent in managing a sophisticated security system and systems that manage time and money. We could have doors without locks and no walls or fences surrounding properties and business.

2. Divorce - Think of how wonderful it would be if no one would be unfaithful or lie to his or her spouse.

3. Legal Fees - If we lived up to our commitments and kept our promises, think of how many conflicts could be solved with an honest system.

4. Police and Security - These forces could be reduced in great numbers. There would be less crime, which in turn would bring forth a productive society. There is tremendous cost when people lie, cheat and steal.

5. Drug Traffic - This horrible influence could be reduced because it is a result of fraud and criminal activity.

6. Prison Over-Population - This would disappear because there would be fewer prisoners. This is a major problem in underdeveloped countries.

7. Truth - We would have a government based on truth, less bureaucracy and less taxation. Business and corporations would require less supervision because employees would act honesty at all times.

8. Student Awareness - Our children would become better students because they would not cheat or copy. They would remember things based on the application of knowledge.

There will always be some corruption, but too much of it will eventually reduce our economy down to third world levels. Honesty must start from the top. In order to create an honest society we must start at home, teaching our children to be honest and to respect law and authority.

1. Constantly remain honest in what you say, do and feel. Honesty has everything to do with integrity.

2. Always expose all of the facts. Do not mislead or avoid anything that is not truthful. Tell it like it is and don’t manipulate the system for personal gain. Don’t be afraid to be honest even when it may be difficult to do so.

3. Be transparent, sincere, and frank with everyone. Never tell half-truths. Avoid exaggerations and don’t promise what you can’t fulfill.

4. Don’t deliberately hide important facts, this means you don’t cheat. Be careful with others' belongings and don’t hide from the reality of facts.

5. Speak up when it is needed; become a promoter of honesty. Stress honesty among your people and provide a culture that rewards honesty and truth. Dishonesty, past and present, is still the most destructive practice in the world.

Keep in mind, an honest society will eliminate big government, high taxes and generate an environment for growth and prosperity.

Dishonest behavior is the hardest to manage and overcome. Before we can overcome dishonesty, we must first see the value of being honest. In fact, one of the biggest economical problems in most societies is security. When we have a dishonest society it produces crime and corruption. It affects investments and economic development. Since honesty is central in a system of values, everything operates better when we practice it. If we want the good life, we have to live by the principle of honesty.

Which aspect of an honest society affects or impacts you the most?

What can you personally do to help your community promote the value of honesty?