Honesty

January 2023 Character Core

We have all heard the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.” Though we may think it a bit cliché, this phrase holds a truth that many people choose to ignore. While it may be hard to always tell the truth, being honest has many benefits, as shown by https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/honesty-is-the-best-policy/:

1. It shows a lot about your character.

2. It makes your life easier.

3. It shows respect and strengthens relationships.

4. It makes your opinion more valuable and credible.

5. It provides authenticity.

6. It provides consistency.

Abraham Lincoln was known to be an honest man. There are stories told of him returning pennies to customers when he was a young store clerk and realized he had shortchanged them. That honesty followed him into his adulthood. He would tell potential lawyers, “Resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” The next time any of us are tempted to stretch the truth, let us remember that being truthful is best and right. As William Shakespeare stated, “No legacy is so rich as honesty.”