CHENNAI: Ever noticed the words ‘Honesty is the best policy’ on a plate at the cash counters of various restaurants? Given how things have changed over centuries, how true do these words hold to us now?
Evidently, being honest today appears to be quite a task. Is it so difficult? If yes, then could it be because of some unknown fear or ego? Could it be simply due to the lack of time and the desire for an easy life that prevents us from being honest and open? Questions aside, being honest with others is a sign of respect for the people as well as a sign of respect for oneself. And it makes life so much simpler!
Small children are not afraid to tell us what they really have in mind, perhaps one of their most attractive quality. We are touched by their simplicity because it resonates with the purity of heart that we all secretly long for. In fact, truth is one of our deepest qualities and many of us have spent our lives searching for it, only to find it at the end of the ride that it resides within each one of us. Where and how did we lose this precious quality along our journey to adulthood?
We can use our ‘grown-up’ intelligence and maturity to be honest without causing any pain or hurt. If we wish to maintain our personal honour and integrity in the face of life’s challenges, then we have to be honest with ourselves first.
Honesty is all about acknowledging one’s own strengths and weaknesses first, and then building the bridge of trust and faith ourselves for real relationships. When we are honest with people, they ultimately trust us. One is admired and appreciated more, with honesty eventually get us more of what we long for — the truth.