Honesty: Is It The Best Way?

“Let’s be honest!” Many of us have had to at one point in our lives questioned the word ‘honesty’, instead we pick and choose the appropriate time and place in which to use it so long as it benefits us in the end, of course! But is this really so?

I’m sure you will agree with me that deep down in our core each one of us desire people to be honest with us. Honesty forms the basic groundwork for trust and without it we lose credibility with those that surround us let it be secularly or within our home environment.

Now having thrown in a bit of moral high ground does it really pay to be honest? Dishonesty seems to cover all ages and race no one is immune to it; in a way the world seems to only benefit us if we hide the truth making it seem a senseless ideal. Stop for a moment and with this in mind observe the world that surrounds you. Many a businessmen have claimed ‘To be successful requires a little dishonesty’. On a daily basis advertisement’s embellish or misrepresent products and worldwide those in political stations entrusted to the care of the public’s welfare are viewed by many as unreliable.

Young ones are found cheating on tests, cutting classes under false reasoning, giving half truths or answers to questions that parents wish to hear but not how they really feel. Insincere affection, flattery used to gain permission or money, we could go on. Yet, young ones feel justified in their actions. Why? In most cases we have to look no further then the parents. Although never intentional young ones watch as parents circle round the truth in order to escape unpleasant situations, the payments of debt, bills and taxes.

It’s at this point that I feel we need to ask ourselves a personal question: what do I want? Am I looking for a short-term or long term benefit?

When we compare dishonest ones to honest ones it’s clear that those who mislead those in the end cheat themselves. While in haste to take advantage create an outcome of mistrust with those in their work dealings as well as their personal environment and may take years to wipe clean.

Honesty in all your dealings earns respect and trust from others and speaks volumes in reputation when employment seems scarce. Young ones through honesty win the confidence of parents as well as benefits duly gained from such actions. Granted, when being open concerning a mistake or deed taken, discipline or loss may come as a result. However in the future we can be assured of long-lasting benefits as we develop a reliable reputation as being a person known for their honest word.

Keeping your word, being honest in your actions speaks volumes as to the person you are inside and can produce a long-lasting personality trait desirable by all. So, is honesty the best way? Definitely!