Truth About Honesty

By Janu Goswami

The book delves into the profound significance of honesty in shaping personal integrity and societal harmony. Drawing from surveys and insightful analysis, it navigates the complexities of honesty in the modern world, exploring the tensions between truth and self-int

• Language: English
• Publisher: BlueRose Publishers
• Release date: May 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9789362615961

Book preview

PREFACE

From the earliest moments of our lives, we are instilled with the profound importance of honesty. The concept of honesty is woven into the very fabric of our being, serving as a guiding principle for personal integrity and societal harmony. In the tapestry of our own experiences, we encounter countless moments where honesty is put to the test. We navigate the murky waters of societal expectations, grappling with the tension between truth and self-interest. It's a journey marked by challenges and contradictions, where the allure of material wealth often tempts us to stray from the path of honesty.Yet, amidst the complexities of our world, one truth remains unwavering: honesty is the compass that guides us through life's twists and turns. It's a reflection of our innermost values and a testament to our character.

I have written this book with the help of data collected through surveys that I have conducted to explore the depths of honesty in our society.This book seeks to unravel the intricate dynamics of honesty in the modern world, exploring the myriad challenges and contradictions that confront us. Through insightful analysis and compelling narratives, we delve into the heart of the human condition, grappling with the age-old question of integrity in an increasingly complex society. This book is more than just an exploration of honesty—it's a reflection of our shared humanity.

So, as we turn the pages of this book, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery, guided by the timeless wisdom of honesty and the belief that, in the end, it's our choices that define us.

INTRODUCTION

We are taught from a young age that Honesty is a virtue essential for personal integrity and societal well-being. The proverb Honesty is the best policy is a mantra whispered into our ears from our childhood, echoing throughout our education as a cornerstone value everyone should hold dear. The idea of honesty being the best approach is drilled into us from a young age and still remains a core principle taught in schools and colleges. Honesty is a mark of excellence of character. Being honest goes beyond personal virtue and creates a foundation of trust, fosters healthy relationships, brings strength to organizations and communities, and ultimately prevents harm.

In the medleys of human existence, honesty stands as a timeless thread, weaving through the fabric of history, morality, and societal norms. From the ancient wisdom of Socrates to the revolutionary courage of Galileo, the narrative of honesty is painted with the colors of integrity and resilience. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, chose honesty and morality in everything he did. He was sentenced to death for corrupting the youth of Athens with his teachings and challenging the traditional beliefs. His friends offered him a chance to escape from prison but instead he chose to travel the path of honesty and did not escape. He believed in upholding the laws and justice system, even if he disagreed with the verdict. Escaping would have contradicted his teachings on virtue and respect for authority. He died in prison from hemlock poisoning.

History is full of courageous people who have chosen honesty over everything else. These brave souls have prioritized truth, even when it hurt them. Galileo perfectly exemplifies this. He was oppressed for sharing his research. The authorities didn’t like what he was saying because it undermined their power, but he continued with his effort and supported Heliocentrism, the astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun at the center of the universe. His words challenged those in power, but Galileo, unwavering, held fast to his discoveries. Even facing punishment, he wouldn't trade truth for comfort.

Abraham Lincoln is another shining example. Long before, he walked the halls of power, Abraham Lincoln earned the nickname of Honest Abe when he was working as a young store clerk in New Salem, Illinois. One tale goes that even the smallest mistake wouldn't be tolerated. If he accidentally gave a customer a few pennies less than their due, young Abe wouldn't rest until it was fixed. No matter how far the walk, Abe would lace up his boots and deliver the rightful change, proving that honesty, for him, wasn't just a word, it was worn with the pride of a well-made pair of boots.

There are numerous inspirational stories of honesty and in reality, the world is full of such people. Honesty serves as the bedrock of trust, fostering profound connections and enabling individuals to entrust important responsibilities. Embracing honesty, even when it's difficult, serves to refine one's moral compass and fortify their character, demonstrating a commitment to integrity and ethical conduct. It shows that you have integrity and value doing the right thing. All these should make us believe that honesty is the best policy, and we should be honest in every situation in life, however, the complexities of human nature introduce shades of gray. Individuals respond to different situations differently keeping their own self-interest in mind of course exceptions are there. However, within this book, emphasis is placed on the collective narrative rather than isolated instances, urging a broader reflection on the significance of honesty in our lives.

From the moment we're little sprouts, society plants a seed of honesty deep within us. Tell the truth, They say, honesty is the best policy and it pays off handsomely. However, the modern digital world often presents a stark contrast, where influencers and leaders advocate for honesty while living contradictory lives. Their voices echo across screens, preaching virtues they themselves neglect, casting shadows of doubt upon the moral landscape. It's crucial to critically assess their messages rather than blindly follow. Additionally, the proliferation of misinformation, exacerbated by technology and AI, poses a significant challenge. An illustrative instance from the book of Dan Ariely titled Misbelief recounts a woman, known to Dan since childhood and regarded as family, who subscribed to the false notion that Covid-19 constituted a worldwide conspiracy aimed at endorsing nefarious vaccines and causing harm. Intriguingly, she also held Dan Ariely accountable for this narrative. This small instance shows the escalating challenge of misbelief, inflamed by the rampant spread of conspiracy theories, driven by online platforms, political divisions, and the latest advancements in AI technology.

In many situations, being honest can lead to negative social consequences. People might react poorly to honesty if it conflicts with their beliefs, values, or expectations. It could result in social ostracism, conflict, or damage to relationships. Being honest about certain topics or information could lead to repercussions or retaliation, such as legal action, loss of employment, or even physical harm, especially in situations where honesty challenges powerful individuals or institutions. Additionally, being honest means revealing oneself authentically, which can make a person vulnerable to exploitation, manipulation, or emotional harm by others who may take advantage of their openness. Being honest can lead to situations you didn't anticipate. For example, if you discover a co-worker's mistake and informing your boss jeopardizes their job, in such scenarios, we need to consider whether being honest helps or hurts the overall situation. There's a distinction between honesty and tact. Honesty entails being truthful, while tact involves delivering the same truth with sensitivity. Sometimes, a little tact can help to be honest without causing unnecessary harm.

Why is being honest such a challenging task? Are humans fearful of revealing their true selves to others? The answer lies in the societal norms and unspoken rules that have been ingrained over time. When faced with a conflict between honesty and adhering to these norms, individuals often choose the path of dishonesty. Consider the modern world, where the pursuit of wealth and material possessions has become paramount. Many resort to dishonest means to achieve these materialistic goals. But who has established these goals? It is our society itself. The greatest irony manifests when society lauds and rewards corrupt individuals, as long as they remain uncaught by the law. However, once exposed, the same society swiftly shifts its stance, initiating character assassination. Corrupt individuals engage in dishonest acts not merely for personal gratification but also to garner recognition within society. Therefore, it is not solely the individuals who are to blame for their dishonesty, but rather the broader societal structure. We often lament the dishonesty of politicians yet fail to recognize that it is the very society that elected them to power. The cycle continues as society condemns the dishonesty of its chosen representatives. In essence, the blame for dishonesty does not solely rest on individuals but is also borne by the societal norms and structures that perpetuate it.

Before delving further into this book, I want to emphasize that accumulating wealth or possessing material possessions is not inherently negative. In a democratic society, everyone has the right to pursue success and prosperity. In a world filled with opportunity, we all have the right to chase our dreams. However, dishonesty provides an unfair advantage to individuals and can contribute to the emergence of oligarchies, which is detrimental to a country like India.

CHAPTER 1

MARRIAGES ARE MADE IN HEAVEN

The adage marriages are made in heaven evokes romantic notions of a predestined union ordained by a higher power, suggesting that each person has a perfect match waiting for them as part of a greater cosmic plan. However, to truly understand the reality of marriages, particularly in a culturally rich country like India, let's explore real-life scenarios through the lens of honesty.

Let's dissect a real-life scenario involving my friend, whom I'll refer to as Suraj (name changed for anonymity). Suraj, employed in the loan department of a major commercial bank in India, and I shared a paying guest accommodation during our early job hunting days in a bustling metro city. As is often the case in Indian families, Suraj's relatives began pressuring him to marry soon after securing a job. Succumbing to familial expectations, Suraj acquiesced, prompting his family