Every man has his price, every man has his weakness, every man has his breaking point.
Now you’re going to say: “But I am honest, I would never knowingly do anything wrong or accept a bribe from anyone.”
But that’s where you’re wrong, for it has been said that every man has a number that he will accept. Yours may just be high, that’s all, but in for a penny, in for a pound, the crime is just the same.
Sometimes honesty isn’t only the act of commission, but also the act of omission. If you were asked to go to the bathroom, look the other way while an illegal act is being done, you’re still as guilty as if you took it yourself.
“Listen man, a million dollars will be deposited to your account if you’re just absent from your post at midnight.”
Now you may say that you didn’t really do anything, but even by omission and not commission, it makes you dishonest. You may also refuse that million dollars, but if they upped it to 10 million dollars, hmmm.
DEFINITION
What is honesty? I guess it’s doing the right thing, telling the truth, not stealing, not ripping off anybody, and a few other intangible acts that weave into our moral fibre. But is it relevant in today’s society? Does honesty really pay, or is it simply something of the past that has been swept under the carpet along with morality, integrity, chivalry and loyalty?
I have asked this question of many people: “If you were driving along and saw a bag of cash fall out of an armored truck, would you pick it up and not report it?” Well almost everyone said they would keep the cash and, when I pointed out that it was wrong, I was ridiculed and even chastised by some folks.
“You wouldn’t take the money? You’re a fool, that money insured.”
If you were walking along and saw someone drop money without knowing, would you pick it up and give it back to them? Finders keepers losers weepers?
Then there is also the argument that honesty doesn’t pay.
“Imagine, the little boy returned a bag full of money, over a million, and all the man gave him as reward is one thousand dollars … wicked.”
INTANGIBLES
Honesty isn’t only about not stealing tangible goods, but also the intangibles. Stories are rife about people who cheat on exams or to get into top schools. These acts have been done by persons who don’t necessarily see themselves as being dishonest, but rather just smart enough to beat the system.
So they cheat on the exam, pass with flying colors, get a great job, then go about life teaching others about honesty, moral fiber and integrity. Even at the workplace honesty takes a beating, as employers shortchange workers, and conversely workers often rip off employers.
They arrive late, do little work, leave early, yet demand a full day’s pay. They say they replaced the old car parts with new, but really did nothing. They recalibrate the scales to show that the goods weigh more.
Telling lies on your resume to get that job is dishonest. Plagiarism is also dishonest. And yet, those persons who do those transgressions don’t see themselves as being dishonest.
The fact is, honesty is absolute, not relative, there are no degrees of honesty. If you find a dollar and not return it, or find 10 million and keep it, it’s still the same. As for cheating on your spouse, is that dishonest?
I ask again, would you turn a blind eye to a transgression if offered 10 million dollars, just to go to the bathroom while someone hacks into the company computer? Hmm, honestly now?
