We all are quite familiar with the proverb “Honesty is the best Policy”. Honesty is the quality which makes one hold and successful in life. Most of us would agree that honesty is the fountainhead from which qualities like integrity, uprightness, truthfulness and the ability to stand by one’s convictions flow. In any society an honest person is respected and looked at an inspiration by many others who seek his guidance while in trying circumstances. An honest person leads by example, never succumbing to lure or threat even in moments of distress. Money, power, love and fame do not sway him from the centre, which is the core of his value and, therefore, his existence. We also know that to be truly honest, we must be honest in thought, word, deed and action. It must be reflected in our spirit and behaviour.
Today, if one is honest and ethical, he must also be smart and witty in his approach towards the people. Without looking for acclaim and recognition, we should strive towards living an honest life, not for others but for our own selves. There is no need to show off. Instead, we must use our intelligence, wisdom, tact and humour to deal with dishonest people and the unfair situation created by them.
If we want to be honest, the first thing we have to do is to learn to control ourselves in the way we think and act. We have to firmly decide whether short-term gains are worth compromising on life-long values. This is something we have to resolve within ourselves and abide by under all circumstances. Honesty is never measured partwise. One can never be less honest or more honest. One can only be either honest or dishonest.
We believe that honesty always pays. This may not appear to be entirely true in the short run, especially if one is looking for more physical gains. For example, if we resolve not to cheat in our examinations, it may result is not getting a distinction. Or if we own up and confess to a friend that we have betrayed her confidence, we should not expect to be forgiven immediately. This honesty may in fact make us lose that friend and may make one the only one in the class with the lowest grade. But the honest person is still a winner because he had the moral courage to do what he thought was correct. This realization makes one bold and triumphant in the long run.
An honest person should be able to hold his head high and allow his honesty to inspire others, not by virtue of his noble intention alone but by proving to the world that his honesty works wonderfully for him.