The concept of honesty is not a difficult one.

The OED definition is as follows:

n:

1. the quality of beng honest

honest:

adj:

1. free of deceit; truthful and sincere.
2. fairly earned: an honest living.
3. simple and unpretentious.

Put simply, if one is to be honest, one does not lie nor engage in behaviour of a deceptive, duplicitious or misrepresentative nature.

When looked at from a more than one dimensional perspective however, particularly if the glasses shrouding the eyes viewing the concept are tainted with a hidden agenda, the concept of honesty can become somewhat more complex.

It need not be.

I believe that people are either inherently honest or inherently duplicitous. Those who make up the latter group (who, strangely enough, often tend to be successfully employed in roles encompassing areas such as advertising, marketing, politics and the like) often tend to attempt to justify their deceit when caught out, with patronising idioms and condescending clichés.

It could be argued that their justification of their deceit is in itself, a continuance of a treacherous pattern of behaviour that has become so much of a second nature to them, that in attempting to express honesty, they further the dishonesty.

A politician who “made an honest mistake”, a lover who “thought that it would hurt you if I told you”, a colleague who “unintentionally misrepresented the facts” are all still continuing to engage in behaviour that has become, it would seem; ingrained.

In failing to take responsibility for their actions, to admit that they were dishonest, they are merely prolonging the deception.

The use of such terminology, when brought to account; is indicative of a complete failure to understand the basic concept of honesty.

To understand is to simply say “I am sorry, I lied”.

What is more difficult:

• to be honest, regardless of the cost
• to continue the charade, despite everyone listening knowing that it is self serving justification
• to fall on ones sword when discovered and endure the shame of the admission of duplicity

Despite what one may think, I would submit that the first option is the easiest, and by far the most rewarding;  even if it may fill one with apprehension and trepidation.

It is also the only option that affords all parties in any given situation, the respect that any decent human being would afford not only another; but also themselves.

Sadly, those who engage in deceitful behaviour have often done so for so long, not only toward others, but to themselves as well; that it has become second nature to them.

Whilst lying, misrepresentation, deception, clouding the truth; call it what you will, may initially seem to be the easy option… in the long run, it merely leads to a chain of misery; each link rustier than the one proceeding it.

Openness and honesty, particularly where matters of great importance are at stake, may seem daunting; however, whatever the outcome as a result of complete transparency; one will have maintained self respect and possibly even gain that of another.

There is, in our day to day relationships with our fellow human beings; colleagues, friends, lovers, family members; never a reason to be dishonest.

There is always a cost associated with honesty, though the interest rates applied to dishonesty can be merciless.

An investment in honesty will always return far much more than the short term “gains” one may believe one received when taking out a loan on deceit.