Honesty Is The Best Policy

“Honesty is the best policy,” this phrase looks simple and easy to follow, but we live in a society, where earning an honest livelihood is very difficult. It is often observed that people who choose a dishonest way to make money got rich overnight, and those who adopt the path of honesty seem struggling throughout their lives. Sometimes, to satisfy their barest needs, they might be tempted to leave that path and use unfair means to earn money. But we need to keep that in mind that dishonesty can never bring peace and happiness.

A person living a struggling life might be worried about bout the needs of his family, but at least he is happy and satisfied from inside. On the other hand, a person who becomes rich by dishonest means always becomes worried, and a lust to have more will never let him live in peace.

Honesty and good character

We would be termed characterless without honesty. To build a good character, honesty is one of the building blocks and is the cornerstone of character. If one is found deficient in honesty, that person will be found wanting in character as well.

Honesty is not always the most natural way out of a situation. However, the brave-hearted who do not seek ways -out of situations knows that honesty is the only way to deal with it. Often being honest can mean coming under the rage of others. There might be the fear of a repercussion, but one must keep in mind that in the end, truth always conquers, and honesty is the best policy. It’s not still easy: being honest, but it is the only thing to be.

It takes courage to be honest as sometimes the dire consequences force someone to persuaded to be dishonest. Dishonesty can provide a smooth exit from the stressful situation, but for just time being as the lie has np feet to stand upon. In this situation, you lose your integrity, and people distrust you forever. A politician who fails to fulfill their promises made to the people during the election campaign loses the people’s faith and stands to lose the elections the next time around. It is difficult to trust someone you have lost faith.

There are lies, and then there are white lies. White lies are perceived as harmless lies; hence people are often prone to using them. Being honest is difficult, especially when you have something to lose like maybe a job, a promotion, the love and respect of a loved one. Taking the help of a white lie seems the more natural way out. However, one lie leads to another and, before long, you are entangled in a web of lies that you find increasingly difficult to come out of it. Honesty may be a difficult virtue to maintain, but it is the only right thing to do.

However, brutal honesty is not always the right thing. If a friend has bad breath, there is no reason to embarrass her with the truth by telling her she has bad breath. In this situation, when the truth can hurt someone’s feelings call for forethought. At this point, white lie said to avoid hurting the friend’s feelings would not be in the best interests of the friend. The best way to deal with this situation would be to play down the harshness of the truth. Instead of absolute saying,” Hey, your breath smells awful’ one could instead say, “Hey, nothing a little mint won’t cure.”

In the long run, it is the best policy. Over a period, a person will gain a reputation for being honest, and this will prove to be the building block of success. An honest person will be sought for his opinion. There are always more responsibilities for an honest person, at home and work.

It should always be remembered that “To err is human and to forgive divine.” So, whenever a person has erred, coming clean is the only option. He may be penalized for it and might have to stand its consequences but being honest will get the forgiveness and admiration of those around you. Honesty is unquestionably the best policy.

Honesty and our religion

As the religious preachers and moralists always taught that a man should be honest, straightforward, and truthful in dealing with others. He should not be worried about the consequences of his conduct. A person not only has to resist the lure to get rich quickly by being dishonest but always become ready to face the misery and loss that might be caused by honesty. This is the viewpoint of morality. However, The proverb indorses honesty not as a moral model, but as a real-world policy. We are called honest not because it is a moral value only but because it is profitable for us as well.

Honesty and modern society 

 Honesty tells about the moral ethics of a person. If every person in society practice being honest, then that society will become an excellent society, free of all the exploitations and troubles. Everyone’s life gets changed. Suppose parents, teachers, and every person understands their responsibilities towards the nation, and every individual plays a role in society. In that case, there is no doubt we can build an ideal society and an ideal nation.

To accomplish economic and social balance, everyone should comprehend the worth of honesty. Honesty is an indispensable requirement in modern times. It is one of the best habits which encourages an individual and make him skilled enough to handle any difficult situation in his/her life. Honesty acts as a catalyst that strengthens the will power so that anyone can face and fight any odds in life.

Advantages of being honest

The honest person is sporadic. Therefore, they are greatly valued. Honesty teaches us to the square in our dealings and is fair. Honest person is always respected and trusted in society. He makes big gains and carves a place in the hearts of people around him. It is a long-term investment as an honest person is fearless of anybody and moves about with his head high in the air. Honesty gives a person self-confidence. On the other hand, a dishonest person might look happy outwardly, but they are not at peace inwardly. Their sins haunt them, and this takes away their peace of mind.

Maturity is another obvious benefit of honesty. It undoubtedly imitates the sophistication of a person. If a person regularly speaks the truth, then he is probably a mature person. Additionally, a mature person speaks the truth in a non-hurtful way.

Being honest can strengthen the relationship between people. It helps them to become closer to each other. Honesty builds trust between people, and it fosters the connection between them. A healthy relation brings positive energy from a person, which leads to better performance for a society. 

Honesty has many advantages that make it good practice for every situation n life. Being honest only can get us out of many odd things and bring peace of mind for us. So, always keep in mind that “honesty is the best policy.”