“Time will inevitably uncover dishonesty and lies; history has no place for them.”_Norodom Sihanouk
Virtue of honesty and integrity are the basic elements of true success in life and business.
And it boils down avoiding deception and doing the right thing simply because it is the fair and right thing to do. This is the path of honor, truth and peace of mind.
Deception on the other hand is synonymous with fraud. And it begins with a lie, which is deliberately saying something that is not true in a conscious effort to deceive another person.
Integrity means telling the truth even if the truth is painful at the moment. While our short-term impulse under pressure may be to tell a lie to guard against momentary discomfort but we stand the chance of exposing ourselves to greater harm: which is an inevitable loss of trust.
Therefore, we shouldn’t allow exceptions in the areas of honesty and integrity. If we compromise our integrity in small matters with little consequence, then it may become a habit. And before we realize it, we will start to slip on significant areas as well.
If we are truly conscious of morality, we should adhere to truth and honesty, no matter what the consequences are. The true mark of integrity is how honest we can be when the stakes are high.
To really strengthen the fabric of our integrity, we need to learn this truth: Deception doesn’t pay. Granted, it may take care of the present, but it doesn’t have any future. And the ensuing cover-ups are generally far worse than the initial error.
Finally, l will leave you with a nice quote from the author of the Laws of Success, Napoleon Hill on the supremacy of making honest choices in business and life:
“Before us lie two paths - honesty and dishonesty. The shortsighted embark on the dishonest path; the wise on the honest.
For the wise know the truth; in helping others we help ourselves; and in hurting others we hurt ourselves.
Character overshadows money, and trust rises above fame. Honesty is still the best policy.”
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