The Value of Honesty
Without a doubt, honesty is one of the greatest values in life. Honesty is defined as an aspect of moral character that presents attributes that are positive including being straightforward and telling the truth (Klein, 2016). Famous people such as Benjamin Franklin argue that honesty is the best policy. It is also of great value in several religious and ethnic contexts and is considered the easiest path to being happy, fulfilled, and successful in life.
More often than not, honesty produces good consequences for people who practice or showcase it. One of the positive consequences of honesty is that it brings good health and happiness. Honest people are always free from unnecessary stress or anxiety of being caught in dishonest acts. Other positives of honesty include helping to establish peace of mind, helping people to earn love and respect from society, helping individuals to promote goodwill, and the fact that its makes the world a better place for people (Klein, 2016).
Success in leadership depends on various attributes showcased, and honesty is one of these. Everyone admires and dreams of being Abraham Lincoln at some point in life. In the history of the United States, Lincoln was one of the most honest leaders of their time. In fact, he was also referred to as “Honest Abe.” Due to his honest nature, Lincoln is a celebrated American hero and president as evident in the fact that he appears on the U.S. penny and the $5 bill.
Honesty can help people fulfil their highest needs. Honest people can build strength of character that allow them to be of great service to others. Society is a place where people depend on one another, and honest people benefit the most in society. Everyone loves to interact and associate with honest people, and their security and safety are hardly threatened (Klein, 2016).
Reference
Klein, N. (2016). The importance of being honest. Theoretical Economics, 11(3), 773-811. Retrieved from https://www.econ2.uni-bonn.de/members-of-the-chair/klein/klein_honest_120611.pdf