Is it Right To Be Dishonest?

1. Intro or objective

Through this article I would like to share some thoughts and opinions about an interesting topic about dishonesty. Honesty has been my favorite topic whenever I am having discussion with family, friends or colleagues. It is one of my most important core values. Before we delve deeper I would like to throw some light on the definition of dishonesty and how each of us perceives it in our daily life.

2. What is dishonesty?

Based on my experience, dishonesty or quality of being dishonest comes into action when a person is afraid of disclosing the truth or fact because of fear of negative consequences. Sometimes it is not just negative consequence but also greed and lust for accumulating or possessing something more and more in quantity. If we look inside, we also succumb to dishonesty over petty matters in our daily life, however it remains undetected and we attach least importance to it by answering our conscious that it is all right being dishonest as long as it is not harming anybody.

We can take a simple example, on one Monday morning; John reached office late by 2 hours. The actual reason was, he went for a party last night and got late there, due to which he got up late in the morning. In the fear of inviting anger of his boss, he did not call and inform his boss. Finally, he reached his office and told his boss that there was a traffic jam on the road and he got stuck. Later on, his boss came to know from a common friend about John’s actual reason of reaching office late. After knowing the truth, boss lost his confidence and trust in John.

In fact, I myself have experienced with one of my bosses with whom I was honest in all senses. I later on realized that he used to name his dishonesty as being tactical. Post that instance it was very hard for me to work with and I lost trust in him.

Similarly, you can pick several such petty instances from your daily life where we demonstrate dishonesty. We simply keep on ignoring the fact that every time we are making fake excuse we are encouraging our habit of being dishonest.

3. Is it ok to have pinch of dishonesty in our behavior?

People would argue that as long as our dishonesty is not harming anybody and we are able to get what we want in life, be it a little comfort, an easy money or good grades or may be a relationship there is no harm in following dishonesty in our daily lives.

If we look around in our social network, our bonding with people entirely depends upon the trust and respect we bring to our relationships. A small jerk of dishonesty can threaten our long years of nurtured relationships. A good example is of a marriage, which is completely founded on trust and honesty between two persons. When spouse acts dishonest over petty matters, it actually breeds bitterness, disrespect and distrust towards each other and ultimately results in divorce.

4. What does it take to be honest?

Why can’t we gather courage and be honest in all our endeavors? It is only the negative consequences that deter us and we keep on airing our dishonest behavior throughout the life. I am sure, you would love to be with a person who would make you happy honestly rather than dishonestly. It is very hurting to know that somebody faked his/her behavior to make you happy. Be courageous and ready to be honest wherever or whatever it demands. Try to have it as a most important virtue of your character.

5. Conclusion

Being honest in behavior with whomsoever you are interacting, will not only get you more respect but you would also feel more empowered and confident in your conduct. You would be able to talk to people looking straight into their eyes. Your boss, your spouse, your friends, your kids will be able to trust you wholeheartedly. Most importantly, especially if you are a parent, then being honest, you are contributing in creating a healthy society by being role models for your kids.