Benjamin Franklin famously coined the phrase: "Honesty is the best policy." As a young child, I vividly recall this quote scattered across history books. One of my teachers had a poster on her door and we were instructed to read it each day before we left school.
In my professional life, I don't recall the word honestly being used much, if at all. The word is not contained in many laws, policies, or other documents. It's use is almost assumed. If your spouse asks "Honey, does this dress make me look fat," you may choose to reverse the honesty policy. If your top executive passes you in the hall and asks "How is everything going for you?" and your response is "If I were any better, I'd be twins" you are likely not following the honesty policy.
Truth be told, honesty is tough. Honesty can be harsh, can cause someone to feel uncomfortable, and can often times hurt. Do we take the easier of two roads when responding to questions which force us to be honest or dishonest? Do we answer every screening question with utter honesty at the doctor's office?
Being honest is tough work but an absolute vital human trait. Being honest takes us from comfort zones. It forces us to look someone dead in the eye and tell them they are doing something wrong or stupid, before they actually do something wrong or stupid. Giving bad news to someone is difficult, but necessary. Doing the right thing and being honest is difficult, but necessary.
For me, I'd like everyone to simply be honest with me. Don't beat around the bush or waste time--just come out and tell me. Tell me what I'm doing right or wrong, tell me if I am heading down a wrong path. Just simply tell me.
The question remains: Is honesty the best policy?
Mr. Franklin was gracious enough to develop this quote or was he? Another source tells me it was Sir Edwin Sandys.
Quite honestly, I just don't know anymore.
** This is the first of a three part series titled: Life's Curious Characteristics by Geoffrey Phillips.
