Essay on Honesty for Students and Children

 500+ words essay on honesty.

Honesty implies being truthful. Honesty means to develop a practice of speaking truth throughout life. A person who practices Honesty in his/her life, possess strong moral character. An Honest person shows good behavior, always follows rules and regulations, maintain discipline, speak the truth, and is punctual. An honest person is trustworthy as he always tends to speak the truth.

essay on honesty

Honesty is the Best Policy

A major component for developing moral character is Honesty. Honesty helps in developing good attributes like kindness, discipline, truthfulness, moral integrity and more. Lying, cheating, lack of trust, steal, greed and other immoral attributes have no part in Honesty. Honest people are sincere, trustworthy and loyal, throughout their life. Honesty is valuable and it is the habit of utmost importance. There are famous quotes, said by a great personality like “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom”. It holds good due to its ability to build, shape and motivate integral values in one’s life.

Benefits of Honesty

Honesty is always admirable in the family, civil society, friends and across the globe. A person with honesty is respected by all. For one to build the character of Honesty entirely depends on his/her family values and ethics and his/her surrounding environment. Parents showing honest behavior and character in front of their children create an impact on the children and we say “Honesty lies in their genes”. Honesty can also be developed practically which requires proper guidance, encouragement, patience, and dedication.

An honest person is always known for his/her honesty just like a sun is known for its eternal light and unlimited energy. It is a quality which helps a person to succeed in life and get much respect. It gives identification to the moral character of a person. Dishonest people may easily get trust and respect from other people. However, they lose that forever whenever they get caught.

Being dishonest is a sin in all the religions, however, people practice it for their short time benefits and selfishness. They never become morally strong and their life becomes miserable. An honest person moves freely in society and spread his/her fragrance in all directions. Being honest is never mean to bear the bad habits of others or bear ill-treated activities. Everyone has rights to reveal and take action against what is going wrong with him.

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Importance of Honesty in Life

Honesty plays an important role in everyone’s life and it is a character which is visible with open eyes like an open book. Having considered as an Honest person, by society is one of the best compliment one can dream of in his/her entire life. It is the real character a person earns in life by being sincere and dedicated towards it. Lack of honesty in society is doom. It is due to the lack of proper interpersonal relationship between parents-children and students-teachers. Honesty is a practice which is built slowly and patiently, firstly at home and then school. Hence home and school are the best places for a child to develop Honesty since his/her growing times.

Home and school are the places where a child learns moral ethics. Thus, the education system should ensure to include some essential habits and practices to keep a child close to morality. Children must be instructed right from the beginning and their childhood to practice honesty. Youths of any country are the future of that country so they should give better opportunities to develop moral character so that they can lead their country in a better way.

For all human problems, Honesty is the ultimate solution. Corruption and various problems are everywhere in society. It is because of the decreasing number of honest people. In today’s fast and competitive world, we have forgotten about moral and integral ethics. It is very important and necessary for us to rethink and remodel, that we bring the honesty back in society so that everything goes in a natural manner.

Moral ethics of a person is known through Honesty. In a society, if all the people seriously practice getting honest, then society will become an ideal society and free of all the corruptions and evils. There will be huge changes in the day-to-day life of everyone. It can happen very easily if all the parents and teachers understand their responsibilities towards the nation and teach their children and students about moral ethics.

People should realize the value of honesty in order to manage social and economic balance. Honesty is an essential requirement in modern time. It is one of the best habits which encourages an individual and make capable enough to solve and handle any difficult situation in his/her life. Honesty acts as a catalyst in strengthening our will power to face and fight any odds in life.

FAQs on  Essay on Honesty

Q.1. What are the basic principles that were followed by Gandhiji?

Ans: The six principles followed by Gandhiji were Truth, Non-Violence, Simplicity, Faith, Selflessness, and Respect for an Individual.

Q.2. Who gave the proverb, “Honesty is the Best Policy”? Ans: Benjamin Franklin one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, gave the proverb, “Honesty is the Best Policy”.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Honesty — The Importance of Being Honest

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The Importance of Being Honest

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Published: Sep 1, 2023

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i believe essay about honesty

A Conscious Rethink

12 Reasons Why Honesty Is Important In Life

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woman with one hand on her heart and the other in the air illustrating honesty

Honesty is important. That’s a given, right?

Not everyone seems to think so. Lies, deception, and the concealment of truth are commonplace.

But when you actually start to examine the case for honesty, you realize that it’s a far better option than the alternative.

So, here are 12 good reasons why the value of honesty is beyond measure.

1. It underpins trust in a relationship.

Whether you’re dealing with a partner, a friend, a family member, or a colleague, when you are honest with that person, they have a reason to trust you.

If they know that you are a person of honesty and integrity, they won’t need to question what you have to say or look for the underlying motives behind your actions.

They know that you are a straight up kind of person who says what they mean and does what they say.

Compare that to the opposite approach of untruths and half truths which erode trust away, either little by little or all at once.

2. It is easier to understand.

When you are clear in what you truly think or believe, there is no grey area for confusion to grow in.

The other person doesn’t have to second guess what you really mean.

And with clarity comes a better understanding of your expectations of them, should you have any.

They know what you would actually like them to do rather than trying to infer this from the mixed messages you may give when you aren’t being totally honest.

3. You are more likely to get what you want.

The previous point about clarity means that you are more likely to get the end result you are hoping for.

Oftentimes, we conceal our true desires or preferences behind the curtain of “sure” and “fine” and “okay” rather than speak our truth.

But when we are completely honest with ourselves and others, we encourage the right actions that lead to what we want.

When we speak up, the other person is more likely to listen. You may not get your way every time because compromises must often be made, but at least you’ll get your way sometimes or a middle ground will be reached that suits you both.

And being honest is not in any way manipulating people into doing what you want. It’s the complete opposite – it is being transparent and open so that others can take your views and feelings into consideration.

4. It makes space for others to be vulnerable.

Speaking of being open, the great thing about being honest is that it encourages others to be honest too.

And in terms of relationships with other people, openness gives rise to vulnerability and vulnerability gives rise to genuine connection.

Honesty is attractive in that sense because it allows the other person to drop the mask that they may feel they need to wear in life. They are free to be who they are in the knowledge that honesty is rewarded in your company.

5. It shows respect.

When we are honest with someone, we are respecting the fact that they deserve to know the truth.

Not only that, we are respecting the fact that they can handle the truth and don’t need to be told lies just because the truth may be difficult to hear.

Consider the alternative which is to deceive or conceal things from others. That is the very opposite of respect. It communicates that you think you know best what the other person ought to hear, when that’s not your place to say.

6. It almost always leads to the best outcomes in the long run.

Having just mentioned a person’s ability to handle the truth, it is worth pointing out that honesty is not always an easy thing to hear.

It can be difficult to listen to your partner who is telling you that they don’t want to be in a relationship with you anymore. Or a friend who says they think you need professional help for a drinking problem.

Sometimes we lie to ourselves so that we don’t have to face the harsh reality of our situation, and someone else being honest with us can reveal important things we need to address.

Whilst this can sting at the time, it can put us on a different path to someplace better than where we’re currently headed, whether that be a healthier relationship or getting sober.

7. It is simple.

Telling the truth is simple. There is no need to remember what you lied about and to whom. You can be confident that you have said what was true (at least, from your perspective) in the moment you said it.

Now, don’t confuse simple with easy. Being honest is not always easy. In fact, it can often be difficult and uncomfortable when you are telling someone something they might not want to hear.

But because there is no ambiguity in your message, there is little confusion when receiving it. And that makes things much simpler in the long run.

8. It is better for your mental health / inner peace.

Lying doesn’t come easily for most people. When you deceive others, it can feel like you are going against your values or who you want to be as a person.

Not only that, but as soon as you lie, you will live with the fear of that lie being discovered. That’s a mentally exhausting thing.

Honesty, though not always easy, doesn’t carry such burdens. Of course, you may feel slightly bad if you have to tell someone an uncomfortable truth, but that won’t last long.

Being honest means you can rest easy knowing that you have been true to yourself and done what you thought was best in a given situation. And authenticity is a great way to live.

9. It is good for your self-esteem.

Continuing on the mental health benefits of honesty, it helps to make you feel good about yourself.

Your self-esteem is essentially how much you like yourself as a person, and when you are honest, it is a lot easier to like yourself.

Not only that, but when you realize that people like you for who you are and for the honesty you bring, rather than a mask you put on in front of others, it’s empowering.

You can be you, be honest, and still be liked. Maybe not by everyone, but by enough people who matter.

10. It is a demonstration of your character.

There are many other personality traits other than honesty, but positive traits tend to occur together as part of a good character.

When you are honest, it will communicate that you are most likely kind, compassionate, hard working, and reliable.

Consider a liar, on the other hand. They might be tainted with the brush of someone who would cheat or steal or manipulate. Not traits you want to be associated with.

11. It is hard to challenge.

When you aren’t entirely honest with others in what you want, it allows them to challenge you and try to persuade you to their way of thinking.

But when you are honest with someone, they will find it difficult to find the weakness in what you are saying.

For example, if someone asks if you’d like to do something with them and you don’t want to, it is better to state that with crystal clarity rather than say, “Maybe another time.”

Because if your answer isn’t clear, the other person will probably try to twist your arm into doing the thing that you don’t want to do

12. It keeps toxic people away.

Some people live in the shadows of misdirection, concealment, coercion, and outright lies.

Those sorts of people find it hard to ply their toxic trade with those who are honest with themselves and honest with others.

Deception and honesty do not exist well together in the same space, so if you are honest, toxic people are more likely to look elsewhere to get what they want.

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About The Author

i believe essay about honesty

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.

i believe essay about honesty

i believe essay about honesty

An honesty box on Dartmoor, England. Photo by Loop/Getty

The virtue of honesty requires more than just telling the truth

by Christian B Miller   + BIO

Listen to this Idea.

Honesty has fallen out of fashion, yet it is essential to self-improvement. How can we cultivate this neglected virtue?

There is little controversy that honesty is a virtue. It is an excellence of character. It also promotes trust, fosters healthy relationships, strengthens organisations and societies, and prevents harm.

Sadly, though, honesty has gone missing in recent decades. It is largely absent from academic research. It seems to be rare in society. And it is not commonly found in discussions of how to become a better person.

What is honesty? How is honesty related to integrity, courage and tact? Is it always best to be honest? What are the ways of failing to be honest? These are important questions, but you will be hard pressed to find discussions of them among scholars. In my field of philosophy, for instance, outside of the work of my own team, there have been only two articles on honesty published in the past 50 years .

So what is honesty? It is a character trait that leads us to think, feel and act in honest ways. Let’s focus on the acting for a moment. Naturally, honesty stands in contrast to lying. But it is much broader in scope than that. It also is opposed to cheating, stealing, promise breaking, misleading, bullshitting, hypocrisy, self-deception, and still other forms of wrongdoing. It works against all of them, and so is extremely broad and impactful in scope.

What do all these behaviours have in common? What is at the core of honesty that enables it to cover so much moral ground? The answer, I think, is that honest behaviour is a matter of not intentionally distorting the facts as the honest person sees them.

Consider a student who lies about his grades to his parents. He is misrepresenting his academic performance on purpose to his parents. Or consider an athlete who knowingly uses a banned substance. She is mispresenting her performance as being due to her own efforts, rather than in part to the contribution of the substance.

Honest behaviour is tied to how a person sees the world, to the facts as subjectively understood. If someone genuinely believes the Earth is flat, then, when he reports that belief to a friend, he is being honest, even though the statement is false. Were he to say that the Earth is round, he would be acting dishonestly, even though the statement is true.

If the only reason why the shopkeeper doesn’t cheat his customers is that he is worried about losing business, then he is doing the right thing for the wrong reason

That’s a bit about honest behaviour. How about motivation? In order to be a virtuous person, it is not enough just to act well. One’s heart behind the action matters too. Honesty is no exception. Telling the truth, even if one is reliable in doing so, won’t be an expression of the virtue of honesty if it is done just to make a good impression on others, or to avoid getting punished, or to secure rewards in the afterlife.

Indeed, in my view, any self-interested motive isn’t going to count as a virtuous motive for honesty. The philosopher Immanuel Kant made a similar observation with his example of the shopkeeper who charges fair prices even when he has a chance to overcharge certain customers. Kant claims that if the only reason why the shopkeeper doesn’t cheat his customers is that he is worried about losing business, if he were to be found out, then this would be a case of doing the right thing for the wrong reason. The same point applies for any other self-interested reason.

What would count as a right reason for honest behaviour, then? A variety of other motives, including:

  • loving motives (eg, ‘because I care about you’)
  • justice motives (eg, ‘because it would be unfair if I cheated on the test’)
  • friendship motives (eg, ‘because he’s my friend’)
  • dutiful motives (eg, ‘because it was the right thing to do’)
  • honesty motives (eg, ‘because it would be honest’)

If someone tells the truth for any of these reasons, it is hard to fault the person’s character. But they are rather different reasons. I think we should be pluralists here, and allow any or all of these to count as what could motivate an honest person to act.

There is much more to say about the contours of this virtue. But already I have said more than most have in a long while.

Here is another way that the virtue of honesty has gone missing – it seems to be rarely possessed by people today. You might conclude this from the nightly news or from your own lived experience. But I am especially interested in what can be concluded from empirical research in psychology and behavioural economics. In a variety of different types of experiments – using die rolls, coin flips, self-graded exams, and other measures of honest behaviour – participants regularly exhibit a pattern of behaviour that does not fit with our expectations of an honest person.

For instance, in a commonly used experimental set-up for assessing cheating, participants are given a 20-problem maths test, and are told that they will be paid for every answer they get right. In a study by Lisa Shu and colleagues, this was $0.50. In the control condition, there was no opportunity to cheat, and participants scored a 7.97 out of 20. In the experimental condition, participants got to grade the test themselves and shred their materials. Given the freedom to cheat if they wanted to, participants ‘scored’ a 13.22 out of 20. That’s a big difference.

As in many areas of psychology, some cheating studies have failed to be replicated

To take another example, online participants in a study by Christopher Bryan and colleagues had to flip a coin 10 times , knowing they would be paid $1 for each heads. The average ‘performance’ was 6.31 heads , well above chance. Even when another group of participants was warned, ‘Please don’t cheat and report that one or more of your coin flips landed heads when it really landed tails! Even a small amount of cheating would undermine the study,’ the average was still 6.22 in that group.

How do these findings line up with our expectations about honesty? A person who is honest will not cheat in situations where she is a free and willing participant and the relevant rules are fair and appropriate, even if by cheating she is assured of acquiring some benefit for herself. That’s what you might expect of an honest person, but it’s not what we see happening in these results.

Of course, these are only two examples. To draw any conclusions about character from just a few results such as these would be very unwise. Fortunately there are dozens and dozens of additional findings that I have reviewed elsewhere , including many more studies using shredder and coin-flip paradigms. The important point here is not what any one study shows, but rather what the patterns of behaviour look like in general and whether they align with our expectations for honesty.

This is also relevant to recent worries about the replication crisis and about fraudulent data. As in many areas of psychology, some cheating studies have failed to be replicated. For instance, a well-known shredder study initially found that recalling the Ten Commandments was effective in reducing cheating, but this result did not hold up in an attempted replication with many more participants from 19 separate labs. Furthermore, it was well documented that an influential study, which purported to show that insurance customers were more honest in their mileage reports if they signed at the top of a form rather than the bottom, was fraudulent.

Again, this is why it is so important to not rely on just a few studies when trying to think about how honest people tend to be. It is the broader patterns that hopefully tell a reliable story.

Finally, this story is about what the majority of people tend to be like. It is based on average performances. But averages can cover up exceptional behaviour. So we may have a bell curve, with some people who are highly honest and others who are highly dishonest, while the rest of us are somewhere in the middle. Furthermore, the story should be taken to apply, in the first instance, only to inhabitants of North America and Europe, since they tend to be the participants in the existing studies. The story may apply more broadly, but we don’t have nearly enough research yet to say.

Assuming that many of us are not honest people in a variety of circumstances, and assuming that honesty is an important virtue that we should cultivate in ourselves and others, it is important to take practical steps to do so. And here is a third place where the virtue of honesty has gone missing. For very little has been said about strategies for growing in honesty, and about testing those strategies to see if they are really successful.

In my own classes, we all read aloud the honour code before the students sign it and begin their exam

Here are three preliminary suggestions that might be fruitful, but that also need empirical confirmation. One is seeking out and better understanding exemplars of honesty. These can be historical exemplars such as Abraham Lincoln, or contemporaries such as a family member, friend, co-worker or community leader. Admiring role models for their honesty can lead to a desire to emulate those people, to make our own character better reflect the exemplars’ character. Sustained engagement with the exemplars can typically be more effective than one-time interactions, and relatable and attainable exemplars can have a greater impact than their opposites.

Another suggestion is to have regular moral reminders of honesty in our lives. Such reminders can make our moral norms salient, such that they more actively work against a desire to cheat, lie or steal. Honesty reminders can take a wide variety of forms, including diaries, readings, signs and emails. There can also be institutional reminders, which we encounter at work or school. One such moral reminder in many schools is an honour code, which students have to sign before taking a test. And there is some very preliminary experimental evidence that such a reminder can be effective in preventing cheating. Returning to Shu’s research, she and her colleagues also had groups of participants take the maths test after reading or signing an honour code. When there was an opportunity to cheat, the honour code made a difference: participants who did not read the honour code gave themselves an average score of 13.09 out of 20; those who only read the honour code scored 10.05; while those who both read and signed the honour code scored 7.91 (a realistic score for the test, suggesting that they did not cheat at all). In my own classes, we all read aloud the honour code before the students sign it and begin their exam.

A final suggestion is to work against our desire to cheat, a desire that can be especially powerful when we think we can get away with cheating, and benefit in the process. Such a desire seems to be at work in studies such as those by Shu and Bryan, mentioned earlier, and introspectively we can all recognise moments in our lives when it has influenced us as well. One straightforward way to try to reign it in is to increase the policing of cheating and impose harsher penalties on those found guilty. For instance, with the move in education towards take-home exams during the COVID-19 pandemic, computer surveillance of students taking those exams has become a big business, although not without giving rise to a number of moral and psychological concerns.

Increased policing and punishment for cheating might be effective in curbing dishonest behaviour, although that, too, is an empirical claim that needs further study. But, even if it does, that’s not enough to foster the virtue of honesty. As I said earlier, motivation matters too. Here, the motivation for not cheating would be punishment avoidance, and that is a purely self-interested motivation. While I tried to be very ecumenical about what can count as an honest motivation, this is one that’s not going to make it on the list.

Instead, the desire to cheat could be diminished in a more virtuous manner by fostering other virtues alongside honesty, such as friendship and love. If someone is genuinely my friend, I want what’s best for that person, even if it is at the expense of my own self-interest. Similarly, if I love others and care deeply for them, then I am concerned about their own good. The deeper the friendship and love, the less likely it is that we would be dishonest with others for our own gain.

This article draws on Christian B Miller’s book Honesty: The Philosophy and Psychology of a Neglected Virtue (2021), with permission from Oxford University Press.

i believe essay about honesty

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Sample Essay- "The Real Meaning of Honesty"

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(Sample Definition Essay)

I think it was my mother who taught me the meaning of honesty. Not because she actually was honest, but because she lied all the time. She felt that the easiest way out of any given situation was generally the best way out. And, for her, that generally meant telling a “little white lie.” As a young child I thought it was kind of cool. And, naturally, when I would come to her with a concern or question wondering what I should do, she generally advised me to lie.

“Mom, I told Theresa that I would go over to her house, but now I would rather go to Sue’s house to play.”

“Tell Theresa you’re sick,” she would advise. And generally I did. But I didn’t seem blessed with her lack of conscience. On many painful occasions Theresa would find out that I really went to Sue’s house without her. These occasions taught me that it is more painful to be caught in a lie than it is to tell the truth in the first place. I wondered how it was possible that my mother had never learned that lesson.

I started thinking of all the lies that I’d heard her tell. I remembered the time she told someone that her favorite restaurant had closed, because she didn’t want to see them there anymore. Or the time she told Dad that she loved the lawn-mower he gave her for her birthday. Or when she claimed that our phone lines had been down when she was trying to explain why she hadn’t been in touch with a friend of hers for weeks. And what bothered me even more were all the times she had incorporated me into her lies. Like the time she told my guidance counselor that I had to miss school for exploratory surgery, when she really needed me to babysit. And it even started to bother me when someone would call for her and she would ask me to tell them that she wasn’t there.

So, I started my own personal fight against her dishonesty. When I answered the phone and it was someone my mother didn’t want to talk to, I said, “Louise, mom is here, but she doesn’t want to talk to you.” The first time I did it, I think she grounded me, but I refused to apologize. I told her that I had decided that it was wrong to lie. And the next time it happened I did the same thing. Finally, she approached me and said, “I agree that lying is not the best thing to do, but we need to find a way to be honest without being rude.” She admitted that her methods weren’t right, and I admitted that mine were a bit too extreme.

Over the past few years, the two of us have worked together to be honest- and yet kind. Honesty should mean more than not lying. It should mean speaking the truth in kindness. Though I started by trying to teach my mom the importance of honesty, I ended up gaining a deeper understanding of the meaning of the term.

  • What is the term that the speaker is trying to define?
  • Did someone teach her the meaning of the term, or did she really learn from her own experience?
  • Is the term defined here presented with more complex reasoning than a dictionary definition

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  • Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

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Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy

Every human being must learn to be honest. Honesty means truth. If a person wants to be honest, he must learn to speak the truth in life. Moreover, by being honest, a person will develop a strong moral character, learn good behavior, maintain discipline, follow the rules and regulations intelligently, and will always be punctual. 

Every child must have learned the phrase ‘honesty is the best policy.’ Children learn honesty from their parents, elders, and teachers. Still, people prefer to tell lies for their benefit Since the incidence of deceitful behavior is on a high, the revival of the teachings of honesty is necessary.

Benefits of Honesty

There are several benefits of honesty. Honesty helps in the development of morally strong characters. If you are honest, you will not be afraid of anything. You do not have to think about making false stories and then the fear of repeating the same in exact words. If you are honest, you do not have to remember any false stories. People will trust you more. An honest person will also develop discipline. An honest person will be extremely content, know what to do from time to time, and will not take any pressure or tension about anything. The health will improve, and the mind will be at peace. The person will be very punctual and will complete all tasks on time. Since more people will trust an honest person, he or she will find more friends and will be supported all around. An honest person will not be involved in cheating, lying, lack of trust, greed, stealing, and any other immoral acts. 

Honesty promotes authenticity. It is a reflection of the thoughts and feelings of a person. It is a form of self-expression, and if a person is honest, people will know what he or she truly is. It also makes the person confident. To speak the truth, it needs a lot of courage and confidence. Only a coward will tell lies because he or she is afraid of the truth. Speaking the truth is an act of bravery. Telling lies also shows that the person is low on self-confidence.

Honesty brings maturity. An honest person speaks the truth in a mature, non-hurtful manner. Therefore, the person does not hurt others, and therefore, his or her relationship with others remains good. Such a good relationship develops a connection between people. Such good relationships also give you peace of mind. Therefore honesty brings high-quality and trustworthy friendships to a person.

Honesty makes a person feel free. They do not have to keep any secrets. They know what is right, and will speak it naturally. They do not have to take the tension of making a false story and say it, in the same manner, every time. Honesty keeps troubles away from a person.

How to Prevent Oneself from Lying?

People generally lie to avoid getting into trouble and to prevent hurting others. Honest people always have faith in the people whom they are talking to. It is wrong to assume that the listener will reject the truth. To be honest, people must have the courage to say the truth. No one likes to be lied to, and therefore, it is wrong to lie to others. People also have to be diplomatic in their presentation of the truth. They must not be blunt or rude, as it might hurt others. In this way, the true message reaches the listeners, and they take it in without getting emotionally hurt.

Is it okay to be Dishonest at Times

You were undoubtedly trained never to lie by your parents, who preached the importance of telling the truth. Your partner states that the most important thing is, to be honest.

But, according to studies, people do a lot of things wrong when it comes to deceit, truth-telling, and trust, and that, if mastered, lying the right way may actually help develop relationships, trust, and businesses. 

You are also more likely to be lied to (and told to lie) than you realize imagine your mother telling you to tell your grandmother how much you enjoyed her food, or you providing incomplete feedback to a coworker.

LYING CAN BE JUSTIFIED IN THE FOLLOWING SCENARIOS

If you are Looking out for Someone's Best Interests:  

There are many examples of lying being harmful, and the most harmful lies are those that promote your self-interest at the expense of others.

According to a study, "prosocial" lies—falsehoods intended to benefit others—can help people create trust.

Just keep in mind that lies are most effective when they are not self-serving. It is one thing to tell your friend he or she looks beautiful before a date to boost their self-esteem. However, be warned, saying it solely to push your friend out of the door because you are already late - that might drive you into a selfish zone.

If There is Not Enough Time to Make a Modification:  

Let's say your mate inquires about how you think he or she looks shortly before coming on stage for a speaking engagement, or just before reaching the podium, about what you think of the speech. Consider whether the person has the time to react to the information and control the issue, even if you see a stain on his or her dress or think the speech may be improved.

You might accept deception if there is nothing your partner can do to improve or change things right now. As there is nothing he or she can do at the time, lying in this sense is typically comprehended as something which is benefiting the person at the receiving end.

If your significant other can react to the knowledge, however, honesty is the superior option.

If the Person is Not Close to you:  

Deception that is mild and well-intentioned can be even more effective in long-distance relationships. Honesty is a lot more perilous in more competitive equations or first interactions, and it can damage relationships and reduce the amount of trust. That is because neither party knows the other's genuine motives, and they may ask aloud, "Is this individual trying to undermine me?"

Still, if you're inclined to provide candid comments to a distant acquaintance or a buddy of a friend, go ahead. Providing the truth while being benevolent—something along the lines of, "I truly want you to succeed, so I am giving you this feedback."

Close friendships, on the other hand, can foster a greater appreciation for candor, and confessing to friends is probably not as horrible as you think. We consistently underestimate how difficult it will be, to tell the truth.

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FAQs on Honesty is the Best Policy Essay

1. What is Honesty?

Honesty is speaking the truth and believing in it. Honesty helps people to develop a strong character, uplift their morals, do the right thing, have faith in others, and practice discipline in life. It helps to live a tension-free life and ensures peace of mind and body. Honesty also helps to make good friends who will stick around life-long. To be honest, people must have the courage to say the right thing every time. They must also develop respect and faith for the people who are listening to them. However, honesty also teaches a person to be diplomatic so that he or she does not hurt others while presenting the truth.

2. What are the ways, to be Honest?

There are numerous ways, to be honest. First of all, a person needs to be courageous to face the truth. He must know that truth prevails, and it will come out one day. Falsehood might provide temporary relief, but truth gives long-term satisfaction. The person must have faith in his listeners. He must make them understand that truth is the most important thing.

Most importantly, a person must learn how to present the truth. He must not place the truth rudely or blatantly. He must not hurt anyone by telling the truth. He must learn how to be diplomatic while telling the truth. He must present the truth in a non-hurtful manner.

3. What are the benefits of being Honest?

There are several advantages to being honest. The most important of them all is peace of mind. When a person is honest, he has the courage to face the truth. He does not have to make up stories and remember the false stories for the rest of his life. He will have a morally upright personality, which will be liked and trusted by many. He will have discipline, sanctity, and punctuality in life. He will also have true friends who will value his friendship. An honest person will never have to worry if the truth will come out, and will be calm and composed in every situation.

4. How does essay writing make a person more intelligent?

There is a significant body of literature outlining the advantages of writing an essay to communicate your thoughts and emotions. Experts from a custom essay writing business also give their insights and experiences.

The act of composing an essay helps to organize your thoughts. Thoughts, sensations, and emotions come to us spontaneously and sometimes slowly, but writing allows us to consolidate these feelings and put them in a logical order. Writing an essay increases your ability to use words, syllables, and style in a way that is useful in everyday life.

5. How does reading improve writing?

Reading aids in the development of critical thinking abilities: "Am I reading good writing?" question yourself as you read. "And if that's the case, why?" Determine who the good authors are, and seek amazing novels that will inspire you. More importantly, evaluate why you think your favorite books are outstanding. Is it the growth of the characters? What is the author's approach to theme and subtext? You will also be able to bring a similar consideration to your work if you can critically evaluate a piece of literature and discern what makes good writing good.

Reading gives you exposure to a wide range of writing styles: Reading a variety of book styles can help you concentrate on the mechanical and stylistic decisions that allow different genres of writing to work. Making an approach towards a variety of works of literature with an eye toward the authors' stylistic tendencies will aid you in developing your own. Visit the Vedantu app and website for free study materials.

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500+ words Essay on Honesty

Honesty is a quality that plays a crucial role in our lives. It means telling the truth, being sincere, and acting with integrity. Honesty is like a bright guiding star that helps us make good choices and build strong relationships. In this essay, we will explore why honesty is so important and how it can have a positive impact on our lives.

Building Trust

Honesty is the foundation of trust. Imagine having a friend who always tells the truth and keeps their promises. You would trust them, right? Trusting someone means believing in their words and actions. When people are honest, they become trustworthy, and others feel safe around them.

Statistics show that 90% of people value honesty in their relationships. This means that almost everyone appreciates and respects those who are honest. Being truthful not only helps in forming strong friendships but also makes us better people.

Resolving Conflicts

Honesty is a powerful tool for resolving conflicts. When we admit our mistakes and tell the truth, it becomes easier to find solutions to problems. For example, if you accidentally break a vase, being honest about it allows for a quicker resolution compared to hiding the truth.

Dr. Mary Johnson, a renowned psychologist, suggests that honesty reduces tension in relationships and helps people find common ground. When we communicate honestly, we can work together to overcome challenges.

Personal Integrity

Being honest also helps us maintain our personal integrity. Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. When we are honest, we show that our actions align with our values and principles.

According to a study by the National Institute of Ethics, people who practice honesty have higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of self-worth. This means that honesty affects not only how others see us but also how we see ourselves.

Learning from Mistakes

Honesty is essential for personal growth. When we admit our mistakes, we have the chance to learn from them. For example, if you fail a test and are honest about not studying enough, you can make a plan to study better next time.

Dr. Sarah Adams, an education expert, emphasizes that honesty is a key element in the learning process. When we acknowledge our weaknesses and mistakes, we can work on improving ourselves and becoming better students.

Honesty in Society

Honesty is not just important on a personal level; it also plays a significant role in society. When people are honest in their jobs and businesses, it builds trust in the community. For instance, if a store owner is honest about their prices and products, customers will keep coming back.

A report by the Better Business Bureau states that businesses known for their honesty and transparency tend to be more successful in the long run. This shows that honesty is not just a virtue but also a valuable asset in the world of commerce.

Conclusion of Essay on Honesty

In conclusion, honesty is a precious quality that we should all embrace. It builds trust, helps resolve conflicts, and maintains personal integrity. Honesty also encourages personal growth and contributes to a more trustworthy society. As we navigate through life, let’s remember that being honest is not only the right thing to do, but it also leads to a happier and more fulfilling life. So, let us all strive to be honest, both with ourselves and with others, and watch as the world becomes a better place because of it.

Also read: The Essay on Essay: All you need to know

Jamie D. Aten Ph.D.

Striving Towards the Virtue of Honesty

Christian miller helps explain the behavioral and motivational sides of honesty..

Posted February 6, 2021 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

In life's daily rhythms and especially in times of difficulty, how can we strive to be more honest in caring for ourselves and others? In this interview, Christian Miller shares the significance of the virtue of honesty for our lives and others.

Christian Miller, used with permission

Christian B. Miller is the A. C. Reid Professor of Philosophy at Wake Forest University. He is currently the Director of the Honesty Project . In recent years he was the Philosophy Director of the Beacon Project and the Director of the Character Project .

Jamie Aten: How would you personally define honesty?

Christian Miller: There is a lot to say here! I would start by distinguishing between an honest action and honesty, the virtuous character trait . Hence there is a difference between Jones telling the truth one time in the courtroom, versus Abraham Lincoln being an honest person.

I am mainly interested in the second, and I break the character trait down into two components. First, there is the behavioral side to honesty: an honest person does not intentionally distort the facts as she sees them. For example, she does not tell a lie for no good reason, nor does she misrepresent her performance in a competition by taking a banned substance.

Secondly, there is the motivational dimension to honesty as well. Honest behavior has to arise from a good heart. What does that look like? Honest motivation can take many forms, such as motives of love, friendship , duty, and justice. What honest motivation cannot be, however, is self-interested. If the focus is just on benefiting oneself, then it is not virtuous.

To sum up, the core of honesty, the virtue, is being reliably disposed to not intentionally distort the facts as the person sees them, and being motivated by virtuous reasons.

JA: What are some ways honesty can help us live more resiliently?

CM: To tell you the truth (which I had better do for an interview on honesty!), this is not something I’ve ever thought much about before. So I apologize in advance if my thoughts are a bit naïve. Part of the issue is figuring out what ‘ resilience ’ is. There are many definitions, but it seems to me that one central element has to do with a certain toughness at being able to bounce back from adversity and respond well to different challenges in the environment .

Understood this way, I can see honesty with oneself making a big difference. If I am honest with myself about what my strengths and weaknesses are, I can face adverse circumstances better than if I am deceiving myself. Thinking that I am strong in some area when I am not won’t serve me well when adversity comes along and exposes my weakness.

A second way honesty can help us live more resiliently is by helping us see adversity for what it is, and not downplay or trivialize it. A couple can show resilience in their marriage , not by looking past the problems they are having, but by honestly confronting and addressing them.

JA: What are some ways people can cultivate honesty?

CM: First let me note that honesty is a very important virtue, both intrinsically and as a means for achieving other things like trust and respect. Secondly, the empirical data suggests that most of us are not very honest. In many respects, we tend to fall short of what the requirements of honesty demand of us. So cultivating honesty takes on a great deal of significance.

There is a lot to say about how to go about doing this, but let me briefly note two strategies. The first is to highlight the importance of exemplars of honesty. They can be historical exemplars like Lincoln or contemporary ones, prominent people in society, or a neighbor or friend. Relatable and attainable exemplars seem to be especially impactful. The idea is that we can admire such people for their honesty, which in turn can lead to a desire in us to emulate them and become more like them in this area of our lives.

The second strategy focuses on moral reminders of honesty. Here the idea is that we often believe that honesty is important and that cheating, lying, and the like are wrong. But we can neglect our values in the face of temptation and give into self-interested desires to do something dishonest. An honesty reminder can help to get our focus back to where it needs to be. It can take the form of, say, a daily reading, a text message, or, in the educational context, signing your name to your school’s honor code.

i believe essay about honesty

JA: Any advice for how we might use honesty to support a friend or loved one struggling with a difficult life situation?

CM: This is a tough one, as so much depends on the details of the particular situations we might find ourselves in. One general point is that in those moments it can sometimes be helpful to be honest about our own struggles, especially if we have gone through something similar. For instance, if a friend is struggling with loneliness , it might be valuable to share truthfully about moments in our own life where we have felt lonely as well, and how we worked through those moments.

A second point is to avoid excessive honesty. When someone is struggling, tact and discretion are needed to avoid making the situation worse, even if everything we say happens to be the truth. There are different ways of getting across the same truth, and blunt honesty, devoid of other virtues like compassion and tactfulness, may not be the best way.

Finally, there could be times when it is best, all things considered, to not use honesty at all to support a friend or loved one. To take an example that is well-known in philosophy circles, if someone is on his deathbed and asks how his son is doing, it may not be the best time to inform him truthfully that his son has just died in a motorcycle accident. The virtue of compassion might outweigh the virtue of honesty in cases like these.

JA: What are you currently working on that you might like to share?

CM: Thanks for asking! I just finished up two books that will be coming out this year, one a short introductory text on moral psychology, and the other an academic book of philosophy entitled, Honesty: The Philosophy and Psychology of a Neglected Virtue.

Other than writing, the main thing I am working on at the moment is heading up the Honesty Project. Our team at Wake Forest and Carnegie Mellon is looking at the philosophy and empirical science of honesty. We will also be distributing $1.8 million in research funds to scholars all over the world. So there is plenty to keep me busy!

Jamie D. Aten Ph.D.

Jamie Aten , Ph.D. , is the founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.

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Essay on Trust And Honesty

Students are often asked to write an essay on Trust And Honesty in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Trust And Honesty

What is trust.

Trust is when you believe someone will do what they say. It’s like when you think your friend will keep a secret. Trust is important because it makes you feel safe and happy with others.

What is Honesty?

Honesty means telling the truth. It’s when you don’t hide things or lie to make yourself look better. Being honest helps everyone understand each other better.

Why They Matter

Trust and honesty are key in friendships and family. They help us rely on each other. Without them, we feel unsure and alone. So, being honest builds trust, and together, they make strong relationships.

250 Words Essay on Trust And Honesty

Trust and honesty: cornerstones of strong relationships.

Trust and honesty are like two sides of a coin. They are inseparable and essential for building strong and lasting relationships. Without trust, there is no foundation for a relationship to grow and thrive. Without honesty, there is no integrity or authenticity.

The Importance of Trust

Trust is the belief that someone will act in your best interest, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient for them. It’s the confidence that they will be reliable, dependable, and loyal. Trust is earned over time through consistent actions and words that demonstrate trustworthiness.

The Importance of Honesty

Honesty is being truthful and sincere in your words and actions. It means being open and transparent, even when it’s easier to lie or hide the truth. Honesty creates a foundation of integrity and authenticity, allowing people to feel safe and respected in a relationship.

The Connection Between Trust and Honesty

Trust and honesty are deeply interconnected. Trust is built on honesty, and honesty reinforces trust. When someone is honest with you, it shows that they respect you and value your relationship. It builds trust because you know that they are being genuine and authentic.

The Benefits of Trust and Honesty

Trust and honesty create a strong foundation for relationships. They allow people to feel safe, respected, and valued. They also foster open communication, cooperation, and support. Relationships built on trust and honesty are more likely to be long-lasting and fulfilling.

Trust and honesty are essential for building strong and lasting relationships. Without trust, there is no foundation for a relationship to grow and thrive. Without honesty, there is no integrity or authenticity. By being trustworthy and honest, we create relationships that are built on a solid foundation of respect, communication, and support.

500 Words Essay on Trust And Honesty

What are trust and honesty.

Trust and honesty are two of the most important qualities in our lives. Trust is when you believe in someone and feel confident that they will not let you down. Honesty is when you always tell the truth and do not hide anything. These two qualities are like two sides of the same coin. Without honesty, trust cannot exist, and without trust, relationships cannot grow strong.

Why Is Honesty Important?

Honesty is important because it helps build a strong foundation in any relationship, whether with friends, family, or teachers. When you are honest, people know they can rely on what you say and do. This makes them feel secure and comfortable around you. Being honest also makes you feel good about yourself, knowing you are being true to others and to your own values.

The Role of Trust

Trust plays a huge role in our lives. It is what allows us to feel safe and supported by those around us. When we trust someone, we can share our thoughts, feelings, and fears with them, knowing they will not judge us or tell others. Trust must be earned and once it is broken, it is very hard to rebuild. This is why it is so important to always be honest, as honesty helps to build and maintain trust.

Trust and Honesty in Friendship

In friendships, trust and honesty are key. Good friends are honest with each other, even when it might be hard. They tell the truth to help, not hurt. Friends who trust each other feel comfortable sharing their secrets, knowing they will be kept safe. This kind of friendship is strong and can last a long time.

How to Be Honest and Build Trust

Being honest and building trust is not always easy, but it is worth it. Here are some tips: – Always tell the truth, even when it is hard. – If you make a mistake, admit it and say sorry. – Listen to others and respect their feelings. – Keep promises. If you say you will do something, do it. – Be patient. Trust takes time to build.

The Impact of Breaking Trust

Breaking someone’s trust can have a big impact. The person might feel hurt, sad, or angry. It can take a long time for them to trust again. This is why it is so important to think before we act and to always try to be honest and reliable.

Trust and honesty are very important in all parts of our lives. They help us build strong, healthy relationships with others. Being honest and trustworthy makes people feel safe and respected. Remember, trust is like a beautiful vase, once broken it can be fixed but the cracks will always show. Let’s all try to be honest and build trust with everyone around us.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

  • Essay on Trust
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Honesty College Essays Samples For Students

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During studying in college, you will surely need to compose a bunch of College Essays on Honesty. Lucky you if putting words together and transforming them into relevant content comes naturally to you; if it's not the case, you can save the day by finding a previously written Honesty College Essay example and using it as a model to follow.

This is when you will certainly find WowEssays' free samples database extremely helpful as it includes numerous expertly written works on most various Honesty College Essays topics. Ideally, you should be able to find a piece that meets your criteria and use it as a template to compose your own College Essay. Alternatively, our qualified essay writers can deliver you a unique Honesty College Essay model crafted from scratch according to your custom instructions.

Free Essay On Integrity

Good essay about worldview, professional code of conduct exercise essay examples.

1. Write a short summary of a Professional Code of Ethics Ethics refers to our moral standards that guide us in every activity we undertake. It is a rational manner in which we conduct ourselves in the middle of others and our expectations of how other people should treat us.

Project management Institute (PMI) Code of ethics and professional conduct

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Academic Dishonesty Essays Examples

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Introduction Honesty refers to an aspect of moral character and signifies virtuous and positive traits such as sincerity, integrity, and truthfulness. Honesty means being loyal, trustworthy and fair. In this essay, we will discuss how honesty and sincerity in work on a company will help a person to be successful. We will also learn how to practice honesty and sincerity, and what is at stake, for practicing these traits.

Values Essay Examples

Personal characteristics and behaviors

Organizational behavior is the general reaction of the people towards the changes taking place within the workplace the characteristics of an organization behavior is influence by the current state of the workplace and the different qualities of the employees. These characteristics are determined by the entire workforce, culture and other individuals’ variables. This includes the existing relationship between the workers satisfaction and the managerial style of the organization.

Rhetorical Analysis of William Damon's "The death of Honesty" Essay Sample

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Even though Leadership can be corrupted and lack integrity, it is still the general consensus that without integrity there no successful leadership.

Does Integrity Affect Leadership?

The success and prosperity of a country depends on effective leadership. Peter Drucker says: “Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.” Victorious leadership means leadership with integrity; probably not as perfect Machiavellian Prince.

Ethics In Research And Communication Essays Examples

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Reflective Essay on Leadership

Draw Topic & Writing Ideas From This Essay On Character Study Of Ophelia

Function of ophelia in the plot of the story, ethical research essay, free nims love song and shakespeares sonnet 130 essay example.

John Frederick Nims’ “Love Poem” and William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 130” are two different poems that are separated by four centuries, but the poets have successfully presented the “ideal” poems to represent the “ideal woman” in a grounded world with all her flaws. The poems reflect that love on the surface is superficial when compared to the inner beauty of a loved one. Honesty and integrity are more effective when dealing with true love.

Morality Versus Social Ethics Essay Samples

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Challenges In The Global Business Environment Essay Sample

Conceptions of integrity essay examples, sample essay on other interests - my other activities of physical nature include zither, badminton, interests, abilities and values.

Interests My native country is China. I came here as an international student majoring in the field of Finance. Dance - My interests include dancing, having received training in Chine folk dance as part of my undergraduate curriculum. I am currently very interested in learning Latin dance and New Jazz, both of which I have learned while studying at the university. I have participated in a couple of dance performances at the university as well.

Free Essay About Nursing: Ltc-450 Nursing Home Administration

Lesson 13: the administrator as leader; the administrator as manager, example of jane eyre essay, good example of oedipus the king and allegory of the cave essay.

Oedipus the King and The allegory at the Cave are great allegories with excellent moral teachings. Oedipus the King is an Athenian tragedy that was written by Sophocles. It tells the story of King Oedipus and his virtuous reign in power over the people of Thebes. The allegory at the Cave was written by Plato and it offers moral lessons on the importance of education. Both stories compare relatively well on several areas and offer timeless moral lessons to societies across social and cultural divides.

Comparisons of the stories

Good essay about have integrity the better of the person you are, the better of an image you.

Honesty is one of the man’s best qualities. Honesty can build lifelong relationships, which lies in no way will be capable of making. People will develop trust in you, your deeds and your words if you respect them enough to be honest with them. As well as built on honesty, trustworthy relationships are based on honesty. They are hard to gain and are hard to maintain and can be very easily destroyed. Deceive the person once and you will never be trusted again. Think twice when you are about to lie about anything.

Good Essay On Consumer

Organizational ethics, individual leadership reflection and action plan essay examples, example of effective business communicator essay.

In order for a small business to flourish, it is imperative to be a an effective business communicator because employees and customers respect what is done as much as what is said, simple explanations are clearer, and using both ears and eyes for listening makes for better understanding. Other professionals believe an effective communicator sticks to what has worked in the past. This academic expedition discusses both sides of the issue.

Actions Speak as Loudly as Words

Example of ethics dilemma good student perfoming bad essay, ethical dilemma examples in school, essay on international engineering ethics.

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Honesty is the best policy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with it?

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In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

With the help of internet and television, many people are becoming famous. is this a positive or a negative trend include examples, some believe that students should begin learning a language very early in school. others think these subjects should be taught later. discuss both sides and give your own opinion., some people believe citizens should be allowed to carry handguns in order to protect themthelves, while others think this can lead to many social security problems in the society. what is your opinion use specific rsasons to support your answer., nowadays young people are admiring media and sports stars, even though they do not set a good example. do you think it is a positive or negative development..

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How to write with honesty in the plain style

It’s a middle ground between an ornate high style and a low style that gravitates toward slang. write in it when you want your audience to comprehend..

i believe essay about honesty

I know how to tell you the truth in a sentence so dense and complicated and filled with jargon that you will not be able to comprehend. I also know — using my clearest and most engaging prose — how to tell you a vicious lie.

This dual reality — that seemingly virtuous plainness can be used for ill intent — lies at the heart of the ethics and practice of public writing.

The author who revealed this problem most persuasively was a scholar named Hugh Kenner, and he introduced it most cogently in an essay entitled “The Politics of the Plain Style.” Originally published in The New York Times Book Review in 1985, Kenner included it with 63 other essays in a book called “Mazes.”

When I began reading the essay, I thought it would confirm my longstanding bias that in a democracy, the plain style is most worthy, especially when used by public writers in the public interest.

A good case can be made for the civic virtues of the plain style, but Kenner, in a sophisticated argument, has persuaded me that some fleas, big fleas, come with the dog.

A disappointing truth is that an undecorated, straightforward writing style is a favorite of liars, including liars in high places. Make that liars, propagandists and conspiracy theorists. We have had enough of those in the 21st century to make citing examples unnecessary. And the last thing I would want to do is to republish pernicious texts, even for the purpose of condemning them.

When rank and file citizens receive messages written in the high style — full of abstractions, fancy effects, and abstractions — their BS detector tends to kick in. That nice term, often attributed to Ernest Hemingway, describes a form of skepticism that many of us need to sense when we are being fooled or lied to. So alerted, you can then dismiss me as a blowhard or a pointy-headed intellectual who works at the Poynter Institute!

If I tell it to you straight, you will look me in the eye and pat me on the back, a person of the people, one of you.

Literary styles and standards shift with the centuries, including the lines between fiction and nonfiction. Among the so-called liars cited by Kenner are famous authors such as Daniel Defoe and George Orwell. Both, he argues, wrote fiction that posed as nonfiction. The way they persuaded us that Robinson Crusoe actually lived or that Orwell actually shot an elephant or witnessed a hanging was to write it straight. That is, to make it sound truthful.

If public writers are to embrace a plain style in an honest way, they must understand what makes it work. Kenner argues:

  • That the plain style is a style, even though it reads as plain, undecorated.
  • That it is rarely mastered and expressed as literature, except by the likes of Jonathan Swift, H.L. Mencken and Orwell.
  • That it is a contrivance, an artifice, something made up to create a particular effect.
  • That it exists in ambiguity, being the perfect form of transmission for democratic practices, but also for fictions, fabrications and hoaxes.
  • That it makes the writer sound truthful, even when he or she is not.

If you aspire to write in an honest plain style, what are its central components? Let’s give Kenner the floor:

Plain style is a populist style. … Homely diction (common language) is its hallmark, also one-two-three syntax (subject, verb, object), the show of candor and the artifice of seeming to be grounded outside language in what is called fact — the domain where a condemned man can be observed as he silently avoids a puddle and your prose will report the observation and no one will doubt it.

Kenner alludes here to Orwell’s essay in which he observes a hanging and watched the oddity of the condemned man not wanting to get his feet wet as he prepares to climb the steps to the gallows. “Such prose simulates the words anyone who was there and awake might later have spoken spontaneously. On a written page, as we’ve seen, the spontaneous can only be a contrivance.”

The plain style feigns a candid observer. Such is its great advantage for persuading. From behind its mask of calm candor, the writer with political intentions can appeal, in seeming disinterest, to people whose pride is their no-nonsense connoisseurship of fact. And such is the trickiness of language that he may find he must deceive them to enlighten them. Whether Orwell ever witnessed a hanging or not, we’re in no doubt what he means us to think of the custom.

Orwell has been a literary hero of mine from the time I read “Animal Farm” as a child. I jumped from his overt fiction, such as “1984,” to his essays on politics and language, paying only occasional attention to his nonfiction books and narrative essays. I always assumed that Orwell shot an elephant and that he witnessed a hanging, because, well, I wanted to believe it, and assumed a social contract between writer and reader, that if a writer of nonfiction writes a scene where two brothers are arguing in a restaurant, then it was not two sisters laughing in a discotheque.

As to whether Orwell wrote from experience in these cases, I can’t be sure, but he always admitted that he wrote from a political motive, through which he might justify what is sometimes called poetic license.

Writing to reach a “higher truth,” of course, is part of a literary and religious tradition that goes back centuries. When Christian authors of an earlier age wrote the life and death stories of the saints — hagiography — they cared less about the literal truth of the story than a kind of allegorical truth: That the martyrdom of St. Agnes of Rome was an echo of the suffering of Jesus on the cross, and, therefore, a pathway to eternal life.

I write this as a lifelong Catholic without disrespect or irony. Such writing was a form of propaganda and is where we get the word: a propagation of the faith.

Orwell’s faith was in democratic institutions, threatened in the 20th century by tyrannies of the right and the left — fascism and communism. Seeing British imperialism as a corruption, he felt a moral obligation to tell stories in which that system looked bad, including one where, as a member of the imperial police in Burma, he found himself having to kill an elephant, an act he came to regret. Using the plain style, Orwell makes his essay so real that I believe it. In my professional life, I have argued against this idea of the “higher truth,” which does not respect fact, knowing how slippery that fact can be. But Orwell knew whether he shot that elephant or not, so there is no equivocating.

By the onset of the digital age, a writer’s fabrications — even those made with good intent — are often easily exposed, leading to a loss of authority and credibility that can injure a worthy cause. With Holocaust deniers abounding, why would you fabricate a story about the Holocaust when there are still so many factual stories to tell?

There is a powerful lesson here for all public writers: That if I can imagine a powerful plot and compelling characters, I do not have to fabricate a story and sell it as nonfiction. I can write it as a novel and sell it as a screenplay! I have yet to hear an argument that “Sophie’s Choice” is unworthy because it was imagined rather than reported.

I am saying that all forms of writing and communication fall potentially under the rubric of public writing. That includes, fiction, poetry, film, even the music lyrics, labeled as such: “Tell it like it is,” says the song, “Don’t be afraid. Let your conscience be your guide.”

In the end, we need reports we can trust, and even in the age of disinformation and fake news, those are best delivered in the plain style — with honesty as its backbone. Writing in the plain style is a strategy; civic clarity and credibility are the effects.

Here are the lessons:

  • When you are writing reports, when you want your audience to comprehend, write in the plain style — a kind of middle ground between an ornate high style and a low style that gravitates toward slang
  • The plain style requires exacting work. Plain does not mean simple. Prefer the straightforward over the technical: shorter words, sentences, paragraphs at the points of greatest complexity.
  • Keep subjects and verbs in the main clause together. Put the main clause first.
  • More common words work better.
  • Easy on the literary effects; use only the most transparent metaphors, nothing that stops the reader and calls attention to itself.
  • Remember 1-2-3 syntax, subject/verb/object: “Public writers prefer the plain style.”

Want to read more about public writing? Check out Roy Peter Clark’s latest book, “ Tell It Like It Is: A Guide to Clear and Honest Writing ,” available April 11 from Little, Brown.

i believe essay about honesty

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The True Meaning of Integrity

This essay is about the concept of integrity and its significance in personal and professional contexts. Integrity involves being honest, adhering to moral principles, and maintaining consistency in actions and values. The essay explores how integrity manifests in personal relationships, where honesty and transparency build trust, and in professional settings, where ethical behavior fosters a positive reputation. It discusses the challenges of maintaining integrity amid external pressures and highlights the importance of accountability and moral courage. The essay underscores that integrity is essential for leadership, cultural understanding, and personal authenticity, emphasizing that it leads to trust, respect, and lasting success.

How it works

Integrity emerges as a pivotal notion within both personal and professional spheres, yet it occasionally eludes comprehensive understanding or appreciation. At its core, integrity embodies honesty and robust moral foundations, advocating for right action regardless of surveillance and unwavering commitment to values despite adversities. Integrity encompasses a coherence spanning actions, values, methodologies, benchmarks, ideologies, anticipations, and outcomes, delineating authentic integrity through resolute adherence to ethical norms.

Within personal domains, integrity manifests in unobserved conduct, serving as a litmus test for genuine character.

While it’s facile to maintain a veneer of honesty and ethicality under public scrutiny, authentic integrity is revealed in solitary actions. For instance, individuals cherishing honesty strive for veracity in all interactions, eschewing falsehoods despite immediate gains. Such fidelity to truth fosters perceptions of reliability and principled conduct, positioning individuals with integrity as dependable and principled figures, anchored in commitment and accountability.

In personal relationships, integrity materializes through genuineness and transparency, advocating consistency across public and private spheres. This authenticity nurtures trust and strengthens interpersonal bonds, fostering reliance on one’s honesty and forthrightness. Upholding promises, however trivial, and candidly expressing emotions and intentions exemplify integrity in personal realms, engendering environments conducive to trust and respect.

In professional milieus, integrity assumes equal significance, entailing ethical adherence and transparency in all professional dealings. This encompasses accurate financial reporting, confidentiality preservation, and equitable treatment of colleagues and clients. Professionals upholding integrity cultivate trust among peers, superiors, and clients, cultivating enduring reputations and success trajectories. Employers value integrity as a hallmark of reliability and contribute to trustworthy work environments, epitomizing ethical leadership that commands loyalty and esteem.

Challenges abound in preserving integrity within the corporate landscape, where pressures to meet targets and surpass rivals may test ethical boundaries. Here, integrity transcends rule adherence, encompassing moral rectitude even amidst adversity. Upholding integrity fosters sustainable and gratifying success, buoyed by the respect and trust it garners, nurturing robust relationships and substantial achievements.

Conforming to external expectations or achieving success at any cost poses formidable challenges to integrity. While expedient shortcuts and ethical compromises may promise swift gains, steadfast integrity promises enduring fulfillment and credibility. Upholding integrity underscores accountability, entailing ownership of mistakes and active redressal, signifying personal growth and mutual respect. In professional domains, accountability translates to rectifying failures and fostering continuous improvement, anchoring environments of integrity and excellence.

Integrity emerges as a linchpin of leadership, inspiring confidence and allegiance among followers. Leaders exhibiting integrity epitomize ethical conduct and decision-making, nurturing organizational cultures grounded in trust and fairness. Conversely, leadership devoid of integrity engenders toxic environments marred by mistrust and unethicality. Integrity in leadership fosters environments where ethical considerations prevail, setting exemplary standards and fortifying organizational integrity.

Cultural nuances and societal influences shape interpretations and practices of integrity. While cultural norms vary, honesty, consistency, and moral fortitude remain universally esteemed. Acknowledging and respecting these differences are imperative for fostering global cooperation and mutual respect, enhancing intercultural collaborations and interactions.

Integrity entails making arduous choices and steadfastly adhering to principles, even when unpopular or inconvenient. This necessitates moral courage, epitomized by advocating against injustice and abstaining from unethical practices, even when in the minority. Upholding integrity, both personally and professionally, underscores consistency, exemplifying predictable and principled conduct across diverse situations. Authenticity and alignment with personal values are quintessential facets of integrity, imbuing life with fulfillment and meaningful accomplishments.

In summation, integrity embodies honesty, accountability, and adherence to moral principles, advocating for authenticity and steadfastness amidst external pressures. Whether in personal, professional, or leadership realms, integrity forges pathways to genuine success, grounded in trustworthiness and reliability. Embracing integrity necessitates a commitment to ethical consistency, shaping environments of integrity and respect. Amidst societal flux, integrity remains a timeless and indispensable virtue, nurturing lives of fulfillment and esteem.

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Donald Trump and American Justice

Readers offer a range of reactions and reflections.

Donald J. Trump, wearing a navy suit and a yellow tie, scowls as he sits at a defense table.

To the Editor:

Re “ Guilty: Jury Convicts Trump on All 34 Counts ” (front page, May 31):

I was overcome with a sense of giddiness on Thursday afternoon as I walked through Manhattan and news broke that former President Donald Trump had been convicted on 34 felony counts.

I was glued to the live news updates on my phone, and soon enough messages began pouring in from like-minded friends who shared my sense of satisfaction that the justice system is alive and well, and that the verdict showed us that no one is above the law.

Nonetheless, it took mere minutes before a more sober reality set in, and I contemplated how the verdict will likely play into the strategic hands of Mr. Trump’s campaign, energizing his ardent supporters, perhaps even working in his favor among some sympathetic swing voters.

That so many of us find that morally offensive and reprehensible, while so many of our fellow Americans simply do not, reaffirms how deeply and dangerously divided this country truly is.

Cody Lyon Brooklyn

Our system of laws has spoken. A jury of his peers found Donald Trump guilty on all counts in what was supposed to be the weakest of the criminal cases against the former president.

Unfortunately, our Constitution does not prohibit a convicted felon from running for president; it even allows an elected candidate who has been criminally convicted to govern, even from prison.

If the Republican Party continues to enthusiastically support the presidential candidacy of a convicted felon, it will be not only at the peril of our American political party system, but most consequentially at the peril of our democratic future.

Alejandro Lugo Park Forest, Ill.

No, Donald, Justice Juan Merchan is not corrupt; he is meticulous and honest. But you wouldn’t know how to recognize honesty.

No, Donald, the trial wasn’t rigged. It followed prescribed procedures for giving attention to actual facts and the requirements of the law. But you wouldn’t know true facts since you told thick and widespread lies to cover up your felonies.

No, Donald, this wasn’t political retribution, although that is what you keep promising if you ever set foot in the White House again. It was bringing you to legal accountability, because even presidents are not above the law.

Bruce Joffe Piedmont, Calif.

I’d never vote for Donald Trump, but this particular prosecution was wrong. When an openly partisan prosecutor charges his political party’s main presidential opponent, there’s a strong appearance of bias — certainly stronger than from Samuel Alito’s wife flying flags.

The appearance can be rebutted if the case is so strong that not bringing it wasn’t an option — like a prosecution for shooting someone on Fifth Avenue. This case wasn’t anywhere nearly that clear-cut, so the appearance of a biased prosecution remains. For once, Mr. Trump’s claims of victimhood ring true.

Mr. Trump got impeached (rightly) for using his office to target a political opponent. The same accusation can be plausibly made against the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg. Destroying key norms in order to derail a norms-destroying politician is like destroying a village in order to save it.

Ilya Shlyakhter Belmont, Mass.

The day that gay marriage became legal, on a typically diverse Manhattan subway, my husband and I congratulated two men who were clearly on their way from having just married at City Hall. The crowd around us spontaneously erupted in cheers and applause, and I was proud of my city.

Thursday night I received a text from a friend that Donald Trump had just been convicted on all 34 counts. I was on a train car filled with commuters that was just approaching Jamaica station in Queens.

I blurted out the news to my fellow passengers. I’m not sure what I expected, but perhaps a similar experience of shared elation, or at least pride, in the independence of the judicial system.

On the contrary. Most riders showed no reaction and went back to their phones. A man in his 30s glared at me. A middle-aged man in scrubs, sitting behind me, urgently, and puzzlingly, said, “Kamala is a liar !” Only the young woman sitting next to me smiled mildly before returning her attention to her phone.

Those of us who hope to persuade enough citizens that American democracy is at risk and worth saving this November still have a lot of work to do.

Cecilia Martin Ford East Hampton, N.Y.

Long after all of us are gone, sociologists, authors and dramatists will speculate on how so many in this nation could become enthralled by the obvious criminality of Donald Trump. A significant portion of our society sees his conviction as further evidence of his innocence. He may be right; he could shoot a man in the middle of Fifth Avenue and lose no votes.

That is why this case is so important. It provides another marker for those future historians to know that not all of us were fooled.

John Cork Marietta, Ga.

A jury of 12 courageous citizens did what Republican leaders refuse to do. They held Donald Trump accountable.

They did not succumb to bullying or intimidation. They used their common sense, followed the facts and reached a unanimous decision in a remarkably short period of time.

While I remain deeply concerned about the corruption and bias in the Supreme Court, these jurors restored my faith in the judicial system on the ground level.

They gave up seven weeks of their lives to do their duty, and they make me feel hopeful that our democracy remains strong and will survive.

Susan Shelton Falmouth, Mass.

I am a Republican-leaning Never Trumper. I refused to vote for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 despite negative views about his opponents. I had committed to do the same this fall.

But Thursday’s verdict has me reconsidering my position. The prosecutor ran for office committing himself to find some basis to prosecute a particular political figure. The prosecution was then launched using a little known and rarely used criminal theory in an entirely new context. Can anyone seriously believe that any person other than Donald Trump would have been subjected to this?

As an American, and one who happens to be a lawyer, I find this more than frightening. Maybe I need to vote for Mr. Trump.

Colin Smith Warrenton, Va.

The rule of law survived its biggest test. Donald Trump can no longer be called Teflon Don. He is now a convicted felon. The question now: Is that whom America wants as a candidate for president?

Susan Berger Highland Park, Ill.

The front-page headline in The New York Times on May 31 is “GUILTY,” but if you pass by a New York City newsstand, the New York Post’s is “INJUSTICE.” What will people believe?

Thursday evening, after the verdict was reached in former President Donald J. Trump’s trial, I was watching the three major cable news channels. The news on CNN and MSNBC bore little resemblance to that on Fox News.

If people base their opinions on the news they trust, about half the country has a reality that differs from the other half. It is unfortunate that there isn’t a news source where the majority of the country has faith in its accuracy.

Jeffrey B. Freedman New York

I’m a progressive Democrat in the Pacific Northwest. I want to thank D.A. Alvin Bragg and his team — and Justice Juan Merchan and the jury of New Yorkers — for their courage, perseverance and steadfastness in the matter of New York v. Donald Trump.

Mr. Trump lost his trial. American justice won. Obfuscation and deception lost.

All Americans are better off today.

John R. Scannell Sammamish, Wash.

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  1. Essay on Honesty for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on Honesty. Honesty implies being truthful. Honesty means to develop a practice of speaking truth throughout life. A person who practices Honesty in his/her life, possess strong moral character. An Honest person shows good behavior, always follows rules and regulations, maintain discipline, speak the truth, and is punctual.

  2. The Importance of Being Honest: [Essay Example], 637 words

    The Importance of Being Honest. Honesty, a timeless and revered virtue, holds immense significance in our personal lives, relationships, and society as a whole. It is a foundational pillar upon which trust is built, the cornerstone of integrity, and a profound reflection of one's moral character. In an era marked by moral complexities and ...

  3. Honesty: Definition, Quotes, & Related Values

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    Short Essay on Honesty 150 words in English. Honesty is one such human quality that should be practiced and followed by everyone. The cannon of honesty ushers in other valuable cannons of trust and respect. With honesty, comes wisdom and boldness. The truth might not always be charming to hear or know; however, an honest person should always ...

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    So, here are 12 good reasons why the value of honesty is beyond measure. 1. It underpins trust in a relationship. Whether you're dealing with a partner, a friend, a family member, or a colleague, when you are honest with that person, they have a reason to trust you. If they know that you are a person of honesty and integrity, they won't ...

  6. The virtue of honesty requires more than just telling the truth

    Telling the truth, even if one is reliable in doing so, won't be an expression of the virtue of honesty if it is done just to make a good impression on others, or to avoid getting punished, or to secure rewards in the afterlife. Indeed, in my view, any self-interested motive isn't going to count as a virtuous motive for honesty.

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  8. Sample Essay- "The Real Meaning of Honesty"

    (Sample Definition Essay) I think it was my mother who taught me the meaning of honesty. Not because she actually was honest, but because she lied all the time. She felt that the easiest way out of any given situation was generally the best way out. And, for her, that generally meant telling a "little white lie."

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  12. I Believe in Honesty

    1206 Words. 5 Pages. Open Document. I believe..... in honesty. I strongly believe that honesty is the best policy. Let's not go overboard and think that I never tell little white lies, because I do, but usually it is to spare someone's feelings. I have learned throughout the course of many years that telling big lies only leads to more lies.

  13. Striving Towards the Virtue of Honesty

    Honest motivation can take many forms, such as motives of love, friendship, duty, and justice. What honest motivation cannot be, however, is self-interested. If the focus is just on benefiting ...

  14. Essay on Trust And Honesty

    Trust and honesty are two of the most important qualities in our lives. Trust is when you believe in someone and feel confident that they will not let you down. Honesty is when you always tell the truth and do not hide anything. These two qualities are like two sides of the same coin. Without honesty, trust cannot exist, and without trust ...

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    Introduction. Honesty refers to an aspect of moral character and signifies virtuous and positive traits such as sincerity, integrity, and truthfulness. Honesty means being loyal, trustworthy and fair. In this essay, we will discuss how honesty and sincerity in work on a company will help a person to be successful.

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  22. The True Meaning of Integrity

    The essay explores how integrity manifests in personal relationships, where honesty and transparency build trust, and in professional settings, where ethical behavior fosters a positive reputation. It discusses the challenges of maintaining integrity amid external pressures and highlights the importance of accountability and moral courage.

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    Donald Trump and American Justice. Readers offer a range of reactions and reflections. Donald J. Trump could get probation or as much as four years in prison. He has promised to appeal his ...