"Honesty is a person's most valuable asset. His or her good name, good reputation, and good word depend on the individual's quality of honesty. A business that operates under the principles of profound honesty is elevated within the community" - James H. Merkel

Being honest is not only when you are truthful to others, but most especially being true to oneself. Seeing so much dishonesty among respectable people and adults, young people often adopt the same course. Many students cheat in schools under false pretenses and paint false pictures of what they are and what they have done. At home, children deceive their parents by answering questions about their conduct with half-truths (normally termed as "white lie"), hiding the fact by phrasing their answers so as to give an entirely false impression. When asked how they feel about certain concepts such as immorality, drugs or similar things, they simply talk about what they think those questioning them would want to hear, not how they really feel so as not to be seen as a spoilt child. To get money or permission for something, they may shower their parents or guardians with insincere affection or flattery. Many of our young people today feel they are justified in doing this, not knowing that they are absolutely wrong. Well it is true that parents tell their children that it is wrong to tell a lie, but they too misrepresent facts in order to get out of some unpleasant situations like paying some bills, debts or taxes.

Where conditions like these prevail what encouragement is there for our young people to strive to be honest in all things. In a world where lying, cheating, bribery, stealing, etc are common, how practical is it for our young people to hold to what is true. Yet, truth really brings a greater benefit than dishonesty would bring. Of what good would it be if you graduate with very good grades attained through cheating, but with little or no knowledge? In the end, the person who cheats actually cheats himself most often.

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Compare the honest and dishonest person and consider some of the many things the dishonest person stands to loose and you would agree that anyone who thinks that dishonesty helps towards achieving a better or happier life is really very shortsighted. If you are known for being straightforward and honest in your dealings, you earn the admiration, respect and trust of others. Honesty is a very expensive gift, don't expect it from cheap people. The friends you get while being honest are more likely to be genuine because they find you genuine and appreciate this.

At home, honesty contributes to a comfortable, pleasant living, eliminating doubts and suspicion between siblings, parents and children, husbands and wives. Through honest living, children win the full confidence of their parents, who can gradually grant youngsters more freedom willingly. The same goes for spouses who are honest with each other, an aura of trust persists between them.

Dealing with a dishonest person is like riding a car with a faulty steering, you never know what can happen next. Let us realize that when we lie to someone, cheat or steal from him, the distrust we create may take years to be erased. The wound caused may heal but may leave a bad memory that is like a long lasting scar.

Finally, if you practice dishonesty, a time shall come when you would seriously want others to believe and trust you, but they wouldn't because the mistake has been made and cannot be corrected. The bad impression you had created will linger on and follow you. The most free person is the one who has nothing to hide, so why tell a lie and be caged, when you can actually tell the truth and be forever free.

Dear Stemians, honesty they say, is the best policy, and it is the only way to maintain self respect and a good conscience. It is indeed a priceless asset. Practice it today...