Is Honesty Always the Best Policy?
By Gool Bugwadia
“The true test of any civilization, depends wholly on the kind of men its country turns out.”-Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Honesty is more particularly, a state of mind to be attuned to, at all times and at every stage of one’s life. For to be ‘honest’, is it not first necessary to be true to one’s own inner self? And how could one not be true to oneself if the inherent virtues of truth and honesty are not ingrained into our lives as children? Parents, is this not your responsibility?
As I now nostalgically recall my childhood days, I am so proud and grateful that my parents inculcated this habit of being honest and always speaking the truth, no matter what the consequences, right from an early age. This discipline helped us children, to differentiate between right and wrong and it became an important tool to be used in making the right decisions, all along the way and into adult life.
I vehemently believe that families who have set high moral standards for their children wherein ‘honesty’ reigns supreme, will find that these same children will never falter or fail or go astray in life, irrespective of the countless obstacles they may have to encounter in their later years.
In todays high-tech scenario, some youngsters are led to believe from their observations and experiences, that perhaps, ‘Honesty is not the best policy’ after all! Many-a-times, it happens that riches and fame are attained by dishonest means.This gives our youngsters the wrong message that wealth and fame are for those who choose not to adopt the dictum ‘Honesty is the best policy.’
The outer semblance of ‘good life’ and the greed for materialism, are the major deterrents today. It’s a pity that some do fall prey to these materialistic enticements and peer pressure. But can we not teach our youth to exercise self-discipline? Can we not protect our youngsters from losing their self-respect in sheer desperation?
We adults are responsible in leading our children, our future generation of citizens, to wallow up in self-pity and moral degradation. Can we parents and caregivers, allow our youth to take their lives– just for a random walk? Is it not our responsibility then, to lead our youth in the right direction? To help them be honest and upright citizens, thus reaping a rich harvest of a happy, balanced and productive life?
“It is we, who shape our lives and destiny. In the end, it all depends on the choices we make.”-Eleanor Roosevelt.
Readers, what do you think?
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