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Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy: Samples in 100, 150 and 200 Words

essay on honesty is the best policy in professionalism

  • Updated on  
  • Oct 10, 2023

essay on honesty is the best policy

The phrase “Honesty is the best policy” is one we’ve all heard before. It’s crucial to understand that being truthful helps to cultivate a strong moral character, teaches good behaviour, instils discipline, encourages intelligent adherence to rules and regulations, and promotes punctuality. In this blog post, we’ll explore why honesty is so important in building and maintaining relationships in an essay form. 

Table of Contents

  • 1 Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (100 Words)
  • 2 Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (150 Words)
  • 3 Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (200 Words)
  • 4 Related Articles:

Also Read: Essay on Rabindranath Tagore

Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (100 Words)

Honesty is the foundation of trust and integrity. It is the best policy because it builds strong relationships, fosters credibility, and maintains one’s morals. When individuals are truthful, others rely on their words and actions, creating bonds of trust essential in personal and professional life. Honesty also develops self-respect and a clear conscience, allowing individuals to navigate life with integrity. Whereas, deceit and lies remove trust and can lead to damaging consequences. In the long run, honesty is the foundation upon which ethical, successful, and fulfilling lives are built, making it undeniably the best policy.

“Being honest builds trust with others. This helps people to rely on their words and actions.”
“Honest communication helps in building healthier and more genuine relationships.”

Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (150 Words)

Honesty is a fundamental virtue that guides individuals to live a principled life. It is often said that “honesty is the best policy,” and this saying holds true in various aspects of our lives.

Firstly, honesty fosters trust and builds strong relationships. When people are truthful and transparent, others feel confident in their words and actions. Trust forms the foundation of successful personal and professional relationships.

Moreover, honesty promotes personal integrity. It allows individuals to maintain a clear conscience and peace of mind, as they have nothing to hide or be ashamed of. This leads to a sense of self-respect and dignity.

Additionally, honesty contributes to a just and fair society. It ensures that people are held accountable for their actions and that deceitful behaviour is discouraged. In business and governance, honesty is essential for ethical decision-making and public trust.

In conclusion, honesty is indeed the best policy. It enriches our lives by fostering trust, preserving personal integrity, and promoting fairness in society. Embracing honesty as a core value leads to a more honourable and fulfilling life.

Also Read: Essay on Yoga

“Honesty removes the stress of keeping secrets of maintaining lies.”
“Honestly helps in maintaining more personal integrity and reputation.”

Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy (200 Words)

Honesty is a timeless virtue that holds immense significance in our lives.

First and foremost, honesty fosters trust. It is often said that trust is the foundation of all healthy relationships, be it in personal friendships, family bonds, or professional collaborations. Without honesty, trust crumbles, leading to suspicion and conflict.

Furthermore, honesty promotes personal growth and self-respect. When we are truthful, we confront our mistakes and shortcomings. This self-awareness is crucial for personal development, as it allows us to learn from our errors and strive for improvement. Dishonesty, on the other hand, leads to a cycle of deceit and hinders personal growth.

In the world of business and economics, honesty is vital for a thriving society. Honest business practices lead to fair competition and consumer trust, which in turn contribute to a healthy economy. Companies that prioritize honesty tend to enjoy long-term success and customer loyalty.

In conclusion, honesty is not just a virtue; it is a guiding principle for a fulfilling and harmonious life. It strengthens relationships, fosters personal growth, and sustains thriving societies. Embracing honesty in our words and actions is a path to both individual and collective well-being. As the saying goes, “Honesty is indeed the best policy.”

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A1. Honesty helps in developing good qualities like kindness, discipline, truthfulness and moral integrity in people. 

A2. Being honest with yourself can make life easier, less complicated, and a lot more beautiful.

A3. Honesty means “fairness and straightforwardness of conduct.”

We hope this blog provides you with all the information on honesty as the best policy and its benefits. To discover more essay-writing articles, then keep reading at Leverage Edu! 

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Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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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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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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Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy

“Honesty is the best policy” is a timeless adage that holds immense wisdom. Honesty is more than just telling the truth; it’s about being truthful, trustworthy, and fair in all our actions and words. In this essay, we will explore the importance of honesty, its impact on our lives, and why it should be cherished as a fundamental virtue.

The Essence of Honesty

Honesty is the foundation of trust and integrity. It means being truthful and sincere, even when no one is watching. It’s about doing what is right, not just what is easy or convenient. Honesty builds character and sets the stage for positive interactions with others.

Honesty in Daily Life

In our daily lives, honesty plays a crucial role. When we are honest, we earn the respect and trust of our family, friends, and peers. People rely on us because they know we can be trusted to do what we say we will do.

Trustworthiness in Relationships

Trust is an essential component of healthy relationships. Whether it’s with our parents, teachers, or friends, being honest fosters trust. When trust is present, relationships are stronger, and conflicts are easier to resolve.

Academic Integrity

In schools, honesty is highly valued. Academic integrity means doing one’s own work, giving proper credit to others, and refraining from cheating or plagiarism. Honesty in education leads to personal growth and ethical behavior.

Honesty in the Workplace

It is equally important in the workplace. Employers value employees who are honest in their actions and communications. It promotes a positive work environment and fosters professional growth.

The Consequences of Dishonesty

Conversely, dishonesty can have serious consequences. Lying, cheating, and stealing damage relationships, reputations, and opportunities. People who are known for dishonesty often find it difficult to rebuild trust.

The Ripple Effect of Honesty

Honesty has a positive ripple effect. When we choose honesty, we inspire others to do the same. This creates a culture of integrity that benefits everyone.

Role Models of Honesty

Throughout history, many role models have exemplified honesty. Figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Nelson Mandela are celebrated for their unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Conclusion of Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy

In conclusion, “Honesty is the best policy” is a timeless wisdom that reminds us of the value of truthfulness and integrity. Honesty builds trust, fosters positive relationships, and sets the stage for personal and professional success. It is a virtue that should be cherished and cultivated from an early age. By choosing honesty in our actions and words, we not only strengthen our character but also contribute to a more trustworthy and ethical society. In a world where trust is invaluable, honesty remains the best policy for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life.

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

Essay On Why Honesty Is The Best Policy

essay on honesty is the best policy in professionalism

Table of Contents

short Essay On Why Honesty Is The Best Policy

Honesty is a virtue that is highly valued in many cultures and societies. It refers to the quality of being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in one’s words and actions. Honesty is widely regarded as the best policy, as it brings numerous benefits to individuals and society as a whole.

  • Building Trust: Honesty is the foundation of trust. When people are honest, they are more likely to be trusted by others, and trust is a key component of healthy relationships, both personal and professional. Honesty builds strong relationships, allowing individuals to work together effectively and to build mutual respect and understanding.
  • Improving Reputation: Honesty is also essential for building a positive reputation. People who are known to be honest are often respected and well-regarded by others. Conversely, individuals who are caught in lies or deceitful behavior can experience significant damage to their reputation and may struggle to regain trust.
  • Personal Growth: Honesty is also important for personal growth and self-awareness. When individuals are honest with themselves and others, they are able to learn from their mistakes and to improve their behavior. They can identify areas where they need to grow and work on becoming the best version of themselves.
  • Ethical Considerations: Honesty is also an ethical issue. Telling the truth is the right thing to do, and it aligns with moral principles of fairness and justice. Dishonesty, on the other hand, can harm others and is often considered unethical and wrong.
  • Positive Impact on Society: Honesty has a positive impact on society as a whole. A society that values honesty is more likely to be fair and just, and individuals in such a society are more likely to be trustworthy and respectful of others. A culture of honesty promotes accountability and transparency, making it easier to address and solve problems.

In conclusion, honesty is the best policy for many reasons. It builds trust, improves reputation, promotes personal growth, aligns with ethical considerations, and has a positive impact on society. By being honest, individuals can create positive relationships, become better people, and contribute to a better world.

Long Essay On Why Honesty Is The Best Policy

Honesty is one of the most important values in our lives, yet it can be hard to tell the truth when we are faced with difficult decisions. This essay will explore why honesty is the best policy, and how it can benefit us both on a personal level and within society as a whole. By understanding why it is so important to always be honest, we can learn to make better choices and build stronger relationships.

Introduction

Honesty is the best policy because it leads to a life of integrity and character. When you are honest, you can be more trusted, and people will have more respect for you. Being honest also creates fewer problems in your life and relationships.

What is Honesty?

Honesty is the quality of being honest, truthful and sincere. It is a virtue that is essential for good relationships. Honesty is the cornerstone of trust, without which relationships would crumble.

Being honest means being truthful about what you say and do, and not trying to deceive or mislead others. It also means being open and authentic in your communication, and not hiding your true feelings or intentions. When you are honest with others, they can trust you and feel confident in your relationship.

Honesty is important in all aspects of life – at home, at work, in your personal relationships, and in the wider community. By being honest, you build trust and respect from those around you. You also set an example for others to follow.

Being honest may not always be easy, but it is always the right thing to do.

Benefits of Being Honest

There are many benefits to being honest. For one, honesty builds trust. People are more likely to trust someone who is honest with them. This can lead to better relationships and more opportunities in life.

Honesty also makes you a better person. When you’re honest, you take responsibility for your actions and words. You own up to your mistakes and learn from them. This makes you a stronger and more principled person.

Being honest also shows that you have integrity. Integrity is a quality that is highly respected by others. It’s a sign of strength of character and an indication that you can be trusted.

Finally, honesty is the best policy because it’s the right thing to do. It’s simply the truth and it’s what we should all strive for in our lives.

The Negative Effects of Lying

Lying has many negative effects that can be felt both short-term and long-term. In the short-term, lying can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. These feelings can be compounded if the lie is discovered, leading to further embarrassment and a loss of trust. In the long-term, habitual lying can damage relationships, both personal and professional. It can also lead to depression and anxiety, as well as a general sense of mistrust and dissatisfaction with life.

Repercussions of Dishonesty

Dishonesty has far-reaching consequences that can destroy personal relationships, damage your reputation, and jeopardize your career. When you are dishonest, people will no longer trust you and they will avoid you. Your reputation will suffer and you will have a hard time regaining people’s trust. In the workplace, dishonesty can cost you your job and damage your professional credibility.

Examples of Honesty in Society

There are many examples of honesty in society. One example is when a person tells the truth on their taxes. This is an act of honesty because they are not trying to hide anything or cheat the government. Another example is when someone volunteers their time to help others. This is an honest act because they are not doing it for any personal gain, but instead they are helping others out of the goodness of their hearts. Finally, another example of honesty in society is when someone returns lost property to its rightful owner. This is an honest act because the person could have kept the property for themselves, but instead they did the right thing and returned it to its rightful owner.

Honesty is the key to success and leads to a better, more satisfying life. It might be difficult to live by this principle all of the time, but it’s important for us to strive for integrity in our actions and words. Honesty should always be our priority when making decisions or engaging with others. If we are honest, not only will those around us benefit from our truthfulness, but so will ourselves as we gain trustworthiness and respect from those who value such qualities. Ultimately, honesty is the best policy because it can lead to positive outcomes within yourself and your relationships with others.

Manisha Dubey Jha

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

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Essay on Honesty Is the Best Policy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Honesty Is the Best Policy 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 Honesty Is the Best Policy

Understanding honesty.

Honesty means telling the truth, being open, and not hiding facts. It’s a key aspect of all successful relationships, whether between family members, friends, or classmates.

Why Honesty Is the Best Policy?

Honesty is the best policy because it builds trust. When we are honest, people believe in us. They know they can count on us.

Benefits of Being Honest

Being honest helps us stay peaceful. It keeps our mind clear from guilt. It also helps us gain respect from others.

In the end, honesty always wins. So, always be honest, it’s the best policy.

250 Words Essay on Honesty Is the Best Policy

Introduction.

Honesty is a virtue that has been valued and preached by moralists and religious institutions across the globe. The timeless adage, “Honesty is the best policy,” encapsulates the profound truth that sincerity and truthfulness are key to a successful and fulfilling life.

The Power of Honesty

Honesty is more than just avoiding lies; it represents integrity, straightforwardness, and trustworthiness. It underpins all human interactions, be it personal or professional. Honesty fosters trust and respect among individuals, thus strengthening relationships and promoting cooperation. In the absence of honesty, societies would crumble under the weight of suspicion and deceit.

Honesty in Personal Life

In personal life, honesty helps in maintaining authentic relationships. It allows individuals to be true to themselves and others, thereby promoting self-esteem and mental well-being. Dishonesty, on the other hand, often leads to stress, guilt, and broken relationships.

Honesty in Professional Life

In the professional sphere, honesty is equally crucial. It enhances one’s reputation, fosters trust among colleagues, and is key to long-term success. Businesses thrive on honesty, as it builds customer trust and loyalty, and promotes a positive work culture.

In conclusion, honesty is not just a moral obligation, but a necessity for a harmonious society. It is the cornerstone of all virtues and the foundation upon which trust and respect are built. Hence, it is indeed the best policy. As we navigate through life, let us remember that the path of honesty may not always be easy, but it is always rewarding.

500 Words Essay on Honesty Is the Best Policy

Honesty is a virtue that has been valued across cultures and time, embodying the principles of truthfulness and integrity. The maxim, “Honesty is the best policy,” encapsulates the profound significance that honesty holds in our lives. This essay explores the depth and breadth of this timeless adage, delving into its implications for personal growth, social relationships, and societal progress.

The Personal Sphere: Honesty as Self-Realization

At an individual level, honesty is a cornerstone of character development and self-realization. It promotes authenticity, allowing one to stay true to their own beliefs, values, and aspirations. When we are honest, we confront our weaknesses and acknowledge our strengths, fostering self-awareness and personal growth. It also instills a sense of responsibility, as honesty often requires courage to face the truth and accept its consequences.

The Social Sphere: Honesty as a Pillar of Trust

In the realm of social relationships, honesty is the bedrock of trust and mutual respect. It fosters open communication, reduces misunderstanding, and strengthens bonds. Honesty, by promoting transparency, ensures accountability and fairness, thereby creating a climate of trust. This trust is critical in all relationships, be it familial, friendly, or professional, as it forms the basis for cooperation and mutual support.

The Societal Sphere: Honesty as a Catalyst for Progress

At a societal level, honesty plays a pivotal role in fostering social harmony and progress. An honest society is one where the rule of law is respected, justice is upheld, and the rights of individuals are protected. Honesty in public life, particularly among leaders, promotes integrity and accountability, deterring corruption and promoting the efficient use of resources. This, in turn, fosters public trust in institutions, encouraging citizen participation and contributing to societal progress.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Education plays a significant role in promoting honesty. By inculcating values of truthfulness and integrity from an early age, we can foster a culture of honesty. Furthermore, creating environments that reward honesty and discourage dishonesty, both at an institutional and societal level, can encourage individuals to follow the path of truth.

In conclusion, “Honesty is the best policy” is not just an adage, but a guiding principle that can lead to personal growth, enrich social relationships, and foster societal progress. While the path of honesty may be challenging, the rewards it yields are invaluable. As we navigate our way through the complexities of life, let us remember that the beacon of honesty can guide us towards a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.

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What Does “Honesty Is the Best Policy” Mean?

Last Updated: July 3, 2023 Fact Checked

  • Why Honesty Is Important

Are white lies OK?

This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey . Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 10,785 times.

The English language is full of idioms, or phrases and expressions that have a meaning unrelated to the actual words in the phrase. When it comes to “honesty is the best policy,” though, what you see might just be what you get. In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning of “honesty is the best policy,” plus show you how to use it and where it comes from. We’ll also explore the psychological and philosophical reasons why telling the truth is good for you and others. Honestly!

Things You Should Know

  • “Honesty is the best policy” is a proverb that means it’s best to tell the truth instead of lie, even when it seems difficult to do so.
  • Say “honesty is the best policy” to remind yourself that you’ll feel better after telling the truth, or to offer advice to someone facing a dilemma.
  • Telling the truth is linked to better mental and physical health. It also improves your sense of authenticity, leadership abilities, and makes others trust you.

“Honesty Is the Best Policy” Meaning

“Honesty is the best policy” is a proverb meaning it’s best to tell the truth.

  • By being honest, you’ll gain the trust and respect of others and you won’t have to maintain any lies or deceive people you care about.
  • Here's an example of how someone might use this phrase: “You should tell your friends the truth about what happened last night so you don’t have to keep lying, son. Honesty is the best policy, after all.”

How to Use “Honesty Is the Best Policy”

Step 1 Remind yourself that you’ll feel better later on if you’re honest now.

  • “I can’t believe I scratched my mom’s car! Well, I better rip the band-aid off since she’ll find out about it anyway. Honesty is the best policy, I guess!”
  • “I opened up about my mental health struggles, and it turns out a lot of people can relate! I wished I stopped hiding it sooner. Honesty really is the best policy!”

Step 2 Use the phrase...

  • Them: “I’m really upset with Brad for forgetting my birthday, but I’m not sure if it’s worth it to say something.” You: “Well, I say honesty is the policy. He’ll never know he hurt you if you don’t say something.”
  • Them: “I don’t know what to do! I accidentally printed the wrong version of those reports for the Board meeting today.” You: “Well, I’d let the Board know there was a mix-up and that you’re working on getting the right reports. Honesty is the best policy, and it’s better that they know you’re working on a solution than to have them think you didn’t catch it at all.”

Origins of “Honesty Is the Best Policy”

The idea of “Honesty is the best policy” has roots in multiple cultures.

  • One of the earliest recordings of the actual phrase in English comes from 1605. In his Europae Speculum , English politician Sir Edwin Sandys wrote, “Our grosse conceipts, who think honestie the best policie.”
  • Many famous American politicians and Founding Fathers have also popularized, written, or used the phrase in speeches, including Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and more.
  • The 1st President of the United States, George Washington, used the phrase in his farewell speech to the nation: “I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy."

Reasons Why Honesty Is Important

Step 1 Lying less is linked to better physical and mental health.

  • The link isn’t totally clear scientifically, but the results show that lying less can put you at ease and make you feel better overall.

Step 2 Telling the truth builds stronger relationships.

  • Being honest and transparent is key to a good relationship. People that love and care about you are likely very attuned to you and can sense when your words lack harmony with your feelings or actions.

Step 3 You’ll feel and appear more authentic.

  • A solid sense of authenticity is linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction, too.

Step 4 You’ll feel more secure in your abilities.

  • When you're honest and accept failures, though, you fully understand what your abilities are and can put in the time and effort to improve them, which increases your confidence and security.

Step 5 Honesty makes you a more effective and trusted leader.

  • Honesty also helps you be more comfortable being yourself at work, which improves your relationships with colleagues and the people you manage.

Step 6 People trust you more.

  • There’s always a respectful and polite way to tell the truth when it might hurt someone . However, there are not many instances where it’s respectful to lie.

Step 8 Your opinion has more value to others.

  • Most people crave honesty, even when they may not like what they hear. Be empathetic when you tell the truth and try to understand how it may make someone feel. That way, you can choose the kindest words and deliver your message constructively.

Step 9 Lying takes a lot of work and energy.

  • This doesn’t mean that all lies are dangerous to others. For example, if someone chooses not to buy concert tickets because you said they were more expensive than they really were, they may choose not to go to the concert. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve violated their autonomy, but they probably missed out on a great time!

White lies are usually OK when they spare people from unnecessary hurt.

  • On the other hand, telling them “This cake is awful!” would make them upset and wouldn’t benefit them, you, or your relationship (especially because there’s nothing they can do about the cake once it’s baked).
  • Consider if there’s a way to tell the truth without being harsh. In the birthday cake example, you could say “Wow! I’ve never had a flavor quite like this before,” or “I love trying new cakes!” so that you’re not being dishonest.
  • However, white lies can take a small toll on you. For example, if you always say “I’m fine!” when people ask about your recent breakup, you may not feel like you have the support you need while you go through a difficult time because everyone thinks you’re alright.

Expert Q&A

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Rizz Lines

  • ↑ https://preply.com/en/blog/popular-english-proverbs/
  • ↑ https://www.englishclub.com/ref/esl/Sayings/H/Honesty_is_the_best_policy_666.php
  • ↑ https://www.theidioms.com/honesty-is-the-best-policy/
  • ↑ https://www.bookbrowse.com/expressions/detail/index.cfm/expression_number/654/honesty-is-the-best-policy
  • ↑ https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/lying-less
  • ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/psychpedia/honesty
  • ↑ https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/newsletters/authentichappinesscoaching/integrity
  • ↑ https://thehappyphilosopher.com/the-real-benefits-of-honesty-nobody-told-you/
  • ↑ https://www.powerofpositivity.com/honesty-relationship-positive-benefits/
  • ↑ https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/lying/
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/human-kind/201808/white-lies-kind-or-cruel

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School Essay

Essay On Honesty Is the Best Policy

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Set 1: Essay On Honesty Is the Best Policy

Honesty is a rare commodity in the world today. Most people prefer the easy way. out which sometimes deviates from the path of honesty, for to be completely honest means facing hardships and obstacles.

Nothing succeeds like success, and many people believe it is the “end result’ that matters-not the means. Therefore, even if you acquire success, money, position and respect by being just a little out of line-it doesn’t really matter much.

But remember-anything acquired by incorrect and dishonest’ means will never last-what will sustain is honesty, and work done honestly.

In the world of today, honesty is regarded as a hindrance in achieving success rapidly. It may appear that the ‘smooth, worker’ who knows exactly how to manipulate gets ahead, while the honest not so cunning person gets left way behind-but it’s like the old tale of the tortoise and the rabbit. Slow and steady and honestywins the race.

In the end, it’s not what others judge you by that counts- it’s what you judge yourself as. It’s how you feel about your actions and deeds-if you are one with them and feel you have achieved your goal HONESTLY-that’s all that matters.

Set 2: Essay On Honesty Is the Best Policy

To be honest one has to be true in word and deed. An honest person tells the truth. He is just in what he thinks. He will never think of cheating anybody else. He always keeps the promises he makes.

We see a lot of dishonesty around us. We see people who are dishonest quite happy after doing dishonest acts such as telling lies, cheating, stealing and being unjust. But as soon as their acts are miserable.

discovered they get punished and become In school also we see the same thing. When a boy steals his friend’s new watch he is happy. But as soon as the teacher finds out and punishes him, and he cries and becomes very sad. A friend of mine once got zero out of ten in a spelling test. He quietly put a one before the zero. The teacher saw it the next day and called for his parents.

Everybody was very angry with him for his dishonesty. He was very sorry for cheating. Being dishonest may make a person happy for a short while. But he is afraid inside. He is afraid of being caught. Truth never stays hidden for long. It comes out one way or another and dishonesty gets punished.

An honest person has nothing to fear. He never tells lies. He is respected and loved by all. Dishonesty brings it with unhappiness and loneliness. Honesty is therefore the best policy and we should all be honest and be happy always.

Set 3: Essay On Honesty Is the Best Policy

Generally, people say that honesty is the best policy. It means if we want to succeed in life we should be honest and straightforward. Nothing succeeds like honesty in life. It is possible that dishonesty may be successful for some time, but in the long run honesty is sure to succeed.

This can be seen if we consider the cases of students and businessmen. The student who tries to copy in the examination hall may get some more marks than he would have otherwise got. But he learns a lesson to neglect honest work and in the long run, he is sure to suffer the consequences of dishonesty, as he will find himself below the standard.

Let us examine the case of a student who tries to use foul means in the examination hall and is caught red handed by the invigilator. The least punishment he gets is that the paper is snatched from him and he is asked to promise not to copy again. When he reaches home, he gets rebuke from his father and mother. In the company of his friends, he is put to shame. When he goes to his class for his daily lessons, he is hated by the teacher and the principal. For a single act of dishonest deed, he finds the whole of the little world against him. He comes to repentance. But it is too late.

If a businessman is found to be dishonest even in a single transaction, people try to avoid him. His sales goes down. People refuse to believe him even when his prices are the least. He loses his customers and goodwill. There are only two courses open to him, either to wind up the business or to be honest.

The effect of dishonesty is much the same in the case of clerks, teachers, government servants and others. It is possible that a man may become rich by adopting dishonest means. But he generally squanders the money. He again adopts dishonest means to earn more.. In this way, his whole life become a vicious circle.

It is necessary for us to be honest if we want to succeed in life. Dishonesty leads to failure. A dishonest person is bound to fall in the long run. Without hard work and honesty none has succeeded in the world so far.

Set 4: Essay On Honesty Is the Best Policy

Honesty is a virtue and all religions preach honesty. It is truly the best policy. Honesty is the foundation of any trustworthy and wellworking relationship. Whether it is with parents, relatives, friends or anyone else, being honest is very important. No relationship can be successful without trust, which is gained by remaining honest.

It is believed that we should always tell the truth because by speaking truth we do not have to remember what we said. Honesty is the best policy because no matter how good we are at telling lies, the truth will always come out. At some point of time, we might find ourselve in a situation that requires us to tell lies to avoid trouble. For some people, being honest is not that easy. Such people might find themselves lying almost every day.

Honest people are always brave. They are respected and trusted by all. This is because they are known for their quality to stand by the truth. Without honesty, the world would be a bad and sad place to live in. People who continuously bluff do not respect others. They not only lose their friends but also their reputation since no one likes associating with dishonest people. One must always speak truth. In this way, we will lead a good, respectable and moral life. Some of the dishonest acts in which people willingly involve are cheating, corruption, robbing, etc. If all of us can stay away from such acts, the world would be a better place where all will live in harmony and trust with each other.

Honesty is an important quality that we all should aim to have. It helps to guide us in the right direction in life. It helps us to avoid unlawful and immoral activities. An honest person is of good character and has a clear conscience. He lives a satisfied and happy life. The character of such a person is dignified and graceful. Being dishonest not only makes us look bad to other people but also affects our self-confidence. People should understand that by lying, we may achieve what we want but our actions will always disturb us.

An honest person always obeys the laws and thus, he is free from serious troubles. It is advisable in living an honest life. We must stand up for what is right and never accept anything less and unfair. We must always keep in mind that we are solely liable for our actions and words. By being honest, everything will turn out well for us. We will realize that truly, ‘Honesty is the Best Policy’.

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10 Reasons Why Honesty Is the Best Policy (With Examples!)

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Updated on January 29, 2023

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All of us have found ourselves in instances where we’ve felt the urge to lie. Whether it’s a white lie to avoid hurting someone we care about or a fabricated truth to manipulate a situation to our favor, being dishonest can ultimately take us down a destructive path.

Being truthful with our words and actions is important especially if we want to create meaningful relationships and live a peaceful life. Being honest helps us live an authentic life that’s both true to ourselves and others.

If you’re looking for more reasons why you should always choose to be honest, then keep reading!

What motivates us to be dishonest

1. you’re likely to stay out of trouble, 2. you feel less guilt and shame, 3. you make meaningful connections, 4. you cultivate respect, 5. you build trust, 6. you have lasting relationships, 7. you become your most authentic self, 8. you have peace of mind, 9. you live a simpler life, 10. you attract honest people, wrapping up.

What’s your earliest memory of saying or doing something dishonest? Perhaps you may remember something mischievous you’ve done in your childhood. According to psychologists , it’s natural for us to start lying at a very young age as early as two years old. (It’s okay, you can forgive yourself for lying about pinching your baby brother that one time!)

Thankfully, we do grow up and learn from our mistakes. In another study , it has been found that children develop aversion to lying as they age. When they do lie, it’s usually for selfish or envious reasons such as wanting to gain more or get ahead of their peers.

When we become adults, despite developing stronger moral values, we still have the tendency to lie based on various reasons. This study found that the top motivations for lying include:

  • Being altruistic.
  • Keeping secrets.
  • Avoiding negative perceptions from others.

Whether you’re lying to protect yourself or other people, being dishonest can have consequences ranging from stress and loss of self-worth to facing punishments and being distrusted by others.

💡 By the way : Do you find it hard to be happy and in control of your life? It may not be your fault. To help you feel better, we’ve condensed the information of 100’s of articles into a 10-step mental health cheat sheet to help you be more in control. 👇

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Why we should choose to be honest

Being truthful to ourselves and to others have benefits that can ultimately lead us to living a more fulfilling life. If you ever find yourself in conflict, here are 10 reasons why you should always choose to be honest.

Being dishonest to other people, especially to those who are important to you and those who may have authority over you, can be a recipe for disaster. If you’ve been found to be lying to them, you’re likely to face negative consequences.

No matter how hard it may be, telling the truth is always the way to go. If you also face a consequence for it, then perhaps you do need to learn that lesson anyway.

Let’s say you did get away with being dishonest. Word of warning: emotional consequences may also follow you! Guilt and shame can haunt you when you know you’ve done something dishonest such as cheating or deceiving someone.

When you always choose to do what is right, you feel less of these toxic emotions. So having a clear conscience is something we should always strive to achieve at the end of the day.

When you’re interacting with other people, sincerity can go a long way. You’re likely to find yourself enjoying conversations more and even making new friends. 

When you embrace who you are and let other people see your truest self, you’ll surely draw meaningful connections. So, don’t be afraid to open up to others especially if your goal is to connect with them on a deeper level!

If you found out that someone you look up to has been lying about their admirable qualities, surely, you’ll be devastated and quickly lose respect for them. 

It’s important that we stay true to who we are, our achievements, and even our flaws. This shows that we have integrity. Always remember that gaining genuine respect from others is much more important than keeping up a false image that they will eventually see through.

Staying truthful to your words and actions helps build trust with other people. When your honesty shows, the people around you will feel safe and tend to be more open to you.

Maintaining trust is crucial especially in our relationships. Once trust is broken, it may be hard for us to piece it back together again. So, it’s important to nurture it by avoiding dishonesty at all costs.

Whether you’ve seen it in movies or experienced it yourself, we all know that breakups happen because the other person has been dishonest. Cheating, lying, and deceiving others are your one-way ticket to splitsville, for sure!

When you earn the respect and trust of people you care about, it’s likely that you will have lasting relationships with them. Being honest is also a love language and shows how much these relationships mean to us.

Your honesty is an opportunity for other people to get to know who you really are. If you’re always truthful about your character, capabilities, and intentions, your authenticity will shine through.

It may not always be easy to bare your soul to others. But wouldn’t it feel so good to be exactly who you are and be valued for it?

A lot has been said about the consequences of dishonesty. Whether it’s being emotionally tortured by our deceitful acts or being anxious about the bad karma it may bring, being dishonest can cause a lot of stress in our lives.

When we know that we haven’t wronged or hurt anyone, we can surely gain peace of mind and sleep better at night.

Imagine that you’re caught up in a web of lies to the point that you’ve spun an alternate reality out of it. Now, you have to keep up with it and end up living two lives: the real one and the one that you made up.

Honesty breeds simplicity. So, don’t waste your energy by coming up with extravagant lies that you’d find yourself struggling to get out of.

If you want to have decent, trustworthy, and genuine people in your life, then you have to cultivate these qualities in yourself first.

Your honesty will surely captivate kindred spirits. And as a result, you’ll be surrounded by people who give you the same respect and sincerity that you put out to the world. Your vibe attracts your tribe, so here’s to choosing authenticity!

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Honesty will always be the best policy in situations where we’re in conflict with ourselves and others. At the end of the day, having a clear conscience will allow us to have better relationships, worry less, and be the person we’re always meant to be.

So, the next time you feel the urge to tell a white lie, remember all the reasons why you shouldn’t. Be brave, and embrace the truth. You’ll definitely make the world a better place by simply having a pure heart.

Madel

Writer and advocate for young people’s mental health. Firm believer of validating one’s feelings, prioritizing the inner-self, and finding happiness in a plate of chicken curry.

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Leadership tips: honesty as a policy.

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You can read the previous installment in the series here .

The saying that honesty is the best policy is one of the oldest in the proverbial book, but its longevity speaks to its wisdom. We think of it as a matter of morality or ethics, and while it is certainly both, being honest is also a constructive course of action in establishing and building not only your company but the culture within. Employing dishonesty as it’s convenient may be the tempting path, and maybe even one that some can justify in their own minds as a necessary ill to serve a greater good; after all, what harm could a few lies do in the grand scheme of things? 

Young woman sharing ideas with colleague during work meeting. Two business women talking at meeting.

But dishonesty rarely stops with one or two untruths, and never ends well. I’ve written about the saga of Theranos and the lengths and many smaller lies required to maintain the big lie at the heart of the company, that their product never worked, and probably never would have. And while I wouldn’t equate companies that stretch the truth with the outright fraud perpetrated in that case, each lie or case of dishonesty is a compromise of your integrity that makes the next one easier if you’re not careful about holding yourself to a higher standard.   

Perhaps the greatest function that honesty can serve in a company is avoiding problems and mistakes that grow into major issues. No one wants to be the squeaky wheel, or the one holding up progress on a group project, and so it becomes easy to tell a little lie, or commit the sin of omission or silence. As a leader, you have to emphasize the importance of honesty over harmony or appearances or any other concern that is ultimately secondary to successfully completing the work at hand. It might look bad in the moment to have to delay or rework, but not nearly so bad as putting forth something to the rest of the company, or even the public, that has flaws that should have been spotted and fixed.   

Honesty is also the foundation of the relationships that we have to build, both with others on our team and with people outside the company. Honesty is how we build trust, and trust is necessary if we hope to work successfully with others. Within a team, people need to trust that the information they receive from others is accurate in order to do their jobs correctly, and that others are doing what is expected of them in order to complete the work. Part of that is dependability, sure, but what is dependability but holding to your word of what you said you would do, and offering an honest account of any delays or setbacks? So long as your team is honest with each other in their dealings, they will be able to work together and help one another achieve what you’ve set out for them.

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Outside the walls of your company, your word is your reputation with the world at large. There might be the impulse to try and overpromise and oversell, and maybe even with the best of intentions, hoping that your bold claims will force you and your team to work beyond what you might think you’re capable of. But failing to meet your promises and not delivering on what you say you will leave your reputation as mud, and your consideration among your peers as one of a person who can’t be counted on to deliver on what you promise. 

As a leader, you also have to hold yourself to those same standards of honesty with your team. It might seem to be a pretty obvious requirement of the job; after all, who would follow a leader who is perpetually dishonest with them? But honesty in this instance is more than just accurate and truthful information that you are disseminating. As a leader, you have to demonstrate that you hold yourself to account as you do those under you, and that means owning up to your own mistakes in full view of your team. As much as dishonesty, people hate hypocrisy, and nothing appears more hypocritical than brushing aside your own mistakes, or acting like they didn’t exist. By demonstrating that mistakes are fine, so long as we own up to them, correct them, and learn from them, we can encourage others to not try to hide their own mistakes. 

Honesty isn’t always pleasant, and there is the odd occasion when it might not even be prudent; as much as I’ve preached the importance of honesty in all things, it’s probably okay to tell a white lie about a not-so-great new hairstyle or shirt. But when it comes to important matters, matters of how you conduct yourself and run your business, honesty is all that we have to keep us from the slippery slope of doing anything to be successful, ethical or not.  #onwards.

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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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Atalanta Beaumont

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Is Honesty Really the Best Policy?

When and how to be truthful; not every situation demands a straight answer.

Posted July 3, 2015

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Honesty pays in the long run. In relationships it is absolutely vital, as without revealing how we feel, we cannot achieve true intimacy with another. However, being honest does not mean being blunt and rude or volunteering an opinion when you have not been asked. Not everyone needs to know how you think. Ask yourself "Will being honest achieve anything?" and "Am I being kind?" If the answer to the first question is "Yes" then the second question ceases to be quite so important, although it is always worth bearing in mind.

It is absolutely fine to duck the question if asked personal questions such as “Do you like my hair/dress/new car? You can respond neutrally or redirect e.g. “That cut is very classic.” “I saw that very same dress in Vogue this week.” “What a wonderful colour your car is.” It is not important to be wholly truthful in your opinions as they are precisely that – your opinions. Where it is important to be truthful is in matters concerning the cornerstones of a relationship; to others what you say is who you are.

It is not OK to go along with someone on fundamental issues such as where you will live, the upbringing of your children, what gives you sexual pleasure or how you wish to be spoken to or regarded. You need to make sure you let your views be known and that you listen to the other’s point of view; you may need to compromise. You will certainly need to employ good timing. However, if and when you are going out with someone, you mislead them by going along with them and not expressing your own views, then at some point you will come to grief . Your resentment at your own needs being subsumed will come out in some way. Maybe you’ll be sarcastic, maybe you’ll be unhappy, maybe you’ll never reach your full potential and fulfil your hopes and ambitions and you’ll become bitter. I can’t tell how these squashed needs will reappear, all I can promise is that they will. Certainly misrepresenting yourself will mean you get things you don't want or like and that others will make assumptions based on false beliefs about you - ones you have let ride or even nurtured.

So it is important when you meet others to gently let them know your values and expectations in order to avoid future misunderstandings. Hopefully, the way you dress, speak and act projects much of who you are or aspire to be. When a person knows who and what you are they can decide how much of a relationship they wish to have with you. If you build on firm foundations then you will be able to take the knocks and bumps that come with any relationship. If you have falsely represented who you are, others will be disappointed and assume a lack of integrity, but much more importantly you will be disappointed in yourself. Therefore, in close relationships of any kind honesty really is the policy and a great buiding block for a happy future.

Atalanta Beaumont

Atalanta Beaumont is a former psychotherapist trained in the methodology of Transactional Analysis and the author of Handy Hints for Humans .

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

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Essay Samples on Honesty

Reasons to be hardworking, forgiving, honest and trustworthy.

Being forgiving is a difficult trait to have especially if someone damaged one badly. The time when the person I trusted the most in the world, my best friend stole from my family and stabbed me in the back, it taught me that in order...

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The Importance Of Honesty And Integrity: Beliefs In Morals

The importance of integrity is the trust that people put into you and the fact trust could either be manipulated or easily taken away depending on who you deal with but it's important to have people who trust you than to be deemed untrustworthy because...

Honesty Is The Best Policy: Loyalty And Other Themes Of Asian Literature

“Live together, die together.” When two people love each other, this virtue of loyalty binds them together. This concept is at the heart of Jin Yong’s novel, A Hero Born. In A Hero Born, Ironheart Yang and Skyfury Guo are sworn brothers. Their wives, Charity...

Kant's Ode To Honesty And Importance Of Honesty

Would you want to be stuck in a world where lying has become the new truth? Kant asserts that if humanity were to withhold the truth from one another, then lying would become the norm and the world would be invalid. However, from a Utilitarian...

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Honesty Is The Best Policy: The Truth Of The Statement

From a psychological point of view, being honest is the key to having a care-free mind as well as inner peace, solving many problems in our lives. On the other hand, telling a lie requires you to be aware and conscious to hide it forever,...

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Analysis of Characters in The Outsiders by Susan Eloise Hinton

“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, is a book about the Greasers who find themselves caught in murder, Johnny did murder someone but only out of self-defence. Needless to say, Johnny and Ponyboy go on the run because they know they will be sent to prison...

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The Importance of Honesty and Halting of Lies

We all tell lies on a daily basis of our life however, does one feel guilty when that? I’m certain you are doing. Honesty could be a price, one thing meaningful that continually attracts success, accomplishment, and well being. With being honest you're being ethical,...

The Superiority of Honesty Above Lying

Lying is something that should be decreased in society. “Speak the truth. People will forgive an honest mistake; they won’t forgive you if you lie” (Mark Goulston). Lying has been interpreted in many ways in society but there is one true meaning. “To lie means...

Correlation of HEXACO Honesty-Humility With Disordered Gambling

The HEXACO model of personality is a six-dimensional model of human personality that was introduced by Canadian researchers Michael Ashton and Kibeom Lee (Larsen, Buss, King & Ensley, 2017). The HEXACO model of personality adds the dimension of honesty-humility, which is not a part of...

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Honesty and Integrity as a Core for Human Relations

Honesty and Integrity, these are two words that has a huge impact to each and every one of us. Sometimes we hear these words, a lot of questions come out to our minds and then we keep on asking ourselves again and again until we...

What Makes Someone A Hero: Analysis Of Heroes In Different Aspects

Throughout a person’s life, people come and go, but those who perform acts of courage through benevolence are remembered. Upon hearing the word “hero”, people tend to think of and consider classic comic book personas or even celebrities. Although these figures fit the descriptions of...

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Best topics on Honesty

1. Reasons to Be Hardworking, Forgiving, Honest and Trustworthy

2. The Importance Of Honesty And Integrity: Beliefs In Morals

3. Honesty Is The Best Policy: Loyalty And Other Themes Of Asian Literature

4. Kant’s Ode To Honesty And Importance Of Honesty

5. Honesty Is The Best Policy: The Truth Of The Statement

6. Analysis of Characters in The Outsiders by Susan Eloise Hinton

7. The Importance of Honesty and Halting of Lies

8. The Superiority of Honesty Above Lying

9. Correlation of HEXACO Honesty-Humility With Disordered Gambling

10. Honesty and Integrity as a Core for Human Relations

11. What Makes Someone A Hero: Analysis Of Heroes In Different Aspects

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COMMENTS

  1. Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy for Students and Children

    500+ Words Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy. 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 ...

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    Honesty is the foundation of trust and integrity. It is the best policy because it builds strong relationships, fosters credibility, and maintains one's morals. When individuals are truthful, others rely on their words and actions, creating bonds of trust essential in personal and professional life. Honesty also develops self-respect and a ...

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    The adage "honesty is the best policy" has been ingrained in us from a young age, serving as a moral compass that guides our interactions and decisions. Honesty is not merely a value; it is a foundational principle that shapes our character, relationships, and societal trust. In this essay, we will explore the significance of honesty, its ...

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    100 Words Essay On Honesty Is The Best Policy Before examining the adage that "honesty is the best policy," it is important to first define honesty. Being honest is the attribute of telling the truth and abiding by the rules as they are stated.

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    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 ...

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    Conclusion of Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy. In conclusion, "Honesty is the best policy" is a timeless wisdom that reminds us of the value of truthfulness and integrity. Honesty builds trust, fosters positive relationships, and sets the stage for personal and professional success. It is a virtue that should be cherished and cultivated ...

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    "Honesty is the best policy" is not merely a saying but a timeless virtue that guides individuals towards a life of integrity, trustworthiness, and personal fulfillment. Honesty is the bedrock of strong and healthy relationships, both personal and professional, and it contributes to a society built on trust and mutual respect.

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    Plus, being truthful is socially accepted as opposed to not living by "honesty is the best policy".Being truthful not only helps us gain people's trust, but it also aids in finding true friends who share common interests. Furthermore, revealing the truth can potentially save lives as it leads to stronger and direct communication.

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    Honesty is widely regarded as the best policy, as it brings numerous benefits to individuals and society as a whole. Building Trust: Honesty is the foundation of trust. When people are honest, they are more likely to be trusted by others, and trust is a key component of healthy relationships, both personal and professional.

  11. Essay on Honesty Is the Best Policy

    Honesty is a virtue that has been valued across cultures and time, embodying the principles of truthfulness and integrity. The maxim, "Honesty is the best policy," encapsulates the profound significance that honesty holds in our lives. This essay explores the depth and breadth of this timeless adage, delving into its implications for ...

  12. "Honesty Is the Best Policy" Meaning, Origins & More

    Download Article. "Honesty is the best policy" is a proverb meaning it's best to tell the truth. [1] Even when lying or omitting the truth seems easier or more beneficial, this phrase is a reminder that you'll be better off in the long run by being honest, even if it's uncomfortable in the short-term. By being honest, you'll gain ...

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  14. Honesty Is The Best Policy (Free Essay Sample)

    You are welcome to use these essay samples on "Honesty Is The Best Policy" for your research, term paper or school, college, or university project.

  15. 10 Reasons Why Honesty Is the Best Policy (With Examples!)

    If you're dishonest, you live a life that's untrue to yourself and others. Here are 10 reasons why honesty is the best policy with examples.

  16. Leadership Tips: Honesty As A Policy

    The saying that honesty is the best policy is one of the oldest in the proverbial book, but its longevity speaks to its wisdom. We think of it as a matter of morality or ethics, and while it is ...

  17. Essay on Honesty for Students and Children

    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.

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    The year was 1972, long before the Internet. As a teen, Anthony would bet with his best friend on sports events, including rebroadcasted college hockey games. While channel surfing, Anthony ...

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    Even I agree that honesty is. Submitted by Arron on July 5, 2015 - 1:00pm. Even I agree that honesty is best policy. Honest is essential for trust and integrity. Even subtler, being honest shows ...

  20. Honesty is the best policy

    Recently, the debate on whether honesty is the best policy has been heated. While some people claim that numerous crimes can be prevented by honesty, others argue that the policy can be difficult to apply | Band: 6.5

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    writing9. While having surrounded by good people or bad people some folk think that honesty is the best policy. As per my view I totally agree with the statement because having honor makes one's life much comfortable and enjoyable and also folk gets more attached with you and trust you | Band: 7.

  22. Honesty Essays: Samples & Topics

    Honesty Is The Best Policy: Loyalty And Other Themes Of Asian Literature. "Live together, die together.". When two people love each other, this virtue of loyalty binds them together. This concept is at the heart of Jin Yong's novel, A Hero Born. In A Hero Born, Ironheart Yang and Skyfury Guo are sworn brothers.

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    Essay on Honesty is the Best Policy for Students and Children. 500+ words essay on honesty is the best policy. Honesty implies being truthful. Honesty means to develop a practice

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