In interpersonal relationships, we always prioritize honesty and often use it as a standard for measuring one’s character. Therefore, every action of an individual is heavily reliant on honesty, and one must constantly uphold it to avoid transgressions. Strict adherence to this principle not only earns respect from others but also yields greater value.
In today’s society, which is gradually developing towards equality, individuals have the right to freely choose what they desire. However, there is also significant competition among organizations and individuals in the same field, which demands even greater efforts to integrate into the modern environment. Nevertheless, the pressures of life and greed have driven people towards temptations that may erode the precious virtue of honesty.
Illustration
Criminal charges such as fraud, theft, deception, and various other transgressions, including emotional betrayal, all represent a betrayal of one’s trust. Because they do not believe that honesty can lead to wealth and happiness. Meanwhile, in affluent or happy nations, education places a high value on and enforces strict discipline regarding honesty. They encourage the free exchange of viewpoints but forbid lying, as even a minor lapse can result in permanent expulsion from the country. This demonstrates the profound impact of honesty on the social psyche.
‘Honesty is the best policy’
This is a famous quote by the American polymath and statesman Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Although he did not hold executive power like other presidents, his image graces the highest denomination of U.S. currency, the $100 bill. This is because he had a profound influence on the ideals of ethics and moral living in shaping the development of human character, and he is revered as an emblem of honesty.
Photo. The $100 bill features the portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
Throughout his lifetime, he consistently self-monitored and held himself to rigorous standards to master 13 virtuous qualities. The results validated his immense achievements, including groundbreaking inventions. He meticulously chronicled these virtues in his autobiographical works, such as Temperance, Silence, Order, Resolution, Frugality, Industry, Sincerity, Justice, Moderation, Cleanliness, Tranquility, Chastity, and Humility.
Later on, people referred to it as ‘Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues of Life’ or ‘Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Virtues of Success’, widely embraced by the nation. Among these, he placed a strong emphasis on the virtue of honesty and shared that: “I grew convinced that truth, sincerity, and integrity in dealings between individuals were of the utmost importance for a happy life”.
Photo. The 13 virtues have been diligently practiced and cultivated by him every day
The consequences of lying and fostering a culture of honesty within the community
The Vietnamese proverb goes: “Fool me once, shame on you”, meaning that even a single instance of lying, breaking promises, or lacking honesty can cost someone a thousand opportunities to regain the trust of those around them. Additionally, under Vietnamese legal regulations, strict penalties are enforced for acts of fraud, theft, and deception, varying in severity, motives, and objectives. The maximum penalty for each component of a crime can range from 12 to 20 years in prison or even life imprisonment, ensuring the reverence for the law.
Illustration
Acts of deceit and dishonesty, regardless of their form, undermine trust and integrity. Moreover, it is oneself who is trampling upon the sweat and hard work that one has invested over the years. In some cases, it can even lead to prolonged stress and persistent anxiety as they continue to cover up and fabricate additional lies. Therefore, to avoid similar situations from occurring, we need to cultivate a strong sense of self-discipline and foster a culture of honesty within the community. By consistently practicing honesty in our speech, being grateful for everything going on around us, fostering self-esteem, being self-aware of our actions, having the courage to confront mistakes, learning to rectify them, and taking responsibility for the consequences. Furthermore, in communication, it is essential to be mindful of the limitations of honesty, which should be flexible, avoiding excessive rigidity and refraining from causing emotional harm to others.
The intangible values will emerge when adherence to the virtue of honesty is observed
We can have complete peace of mind knowing that we have fully adhered to the principles of maintaining strict honesty. In addition to fostering a positive character built on trust, respect, affection, and goodwill towards others, intangible strokes of luck will naturally come our way and even rescue us in times of loss.
The case of Ms. Suong Pham is a prime example. She consistently upholds honesty towards everyone, including her customers. Because she firmly believes that “if you want others to live truthfully, you should be truthful yourself first”. Perhaps because of her natural and simple way of thinking, all her actions are treated with sincerity. In one interview, she expressed, “There is no better communication skill than sincerity, and sometimes honesty can rediscover lost values.”
Photo. Ms. Suong Pham
Specifically, she recently lost a new-generation iPhone and thought it was lost. Since she had no information about the person who stole it, by the time someone else identified it, they had already sold it in another province. However, in the end, they still returned it to her. A story that may seem unbelievable, but it clearly reveals the immense power of inner honesty as a tremendous attracting force. Only when we truly trust and dare to do what is right can any result, no matter how bad it may be, still be restored.
By TTVN Press
*If readers find this article helpful, please kindly click on the share button below. In case you would like to contribute information or have related inquiries, please send them to TVVN Press’ email inbox at contact@trangviet.vn