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It is a shame that words change so much in meaning over time that we do not recognize that which we recite from rote, and which has such a nice marketing ring to it, without knowing what we are saying. In a world in which 'hot' means 'cool,' and both really mean 'popular,' there is probably not much thought given to the correlation between the words 'police' and 'policy.' 'Police,' as a verb, means to enforce adherence to 'policy.' As a noun, 'police' are 'people who police.'

Honesty is the best policy when under oath. The consequence of violating policy is called perjury. Aside from those few occasions in life when honesty really does need policing, policing honesty would be very expensive, socially detrimental, and futile. Honesty is best left as a principle, and not policed except when absolutely necessary for the purposes of freedom, liberty, and justice.

Honesty is the highest principle; to one's own self be true.

From there, we get variance and latitude depending on circumstances. Other principles, such as compassion, esteem, and harmony, might be factored in. So, too, might we factor in the type of dishonesty. Presenting false statement for the purpose of deceiving another (lying) is one; not telling the truth (non-disclosure) is another. Lying may be fine, when presented as fiction or drama. Non-disclosure may be warranted when the principle of civil rights is factored in.

We each prioritize principles, and for both right and wrong purposes. Non-disclosure of an affair, for example, is easier for most people because they place 'harmony' above 'honesty.' Though, to me, it seems the gravity of the guilt associated with that 'false harmony' (notice how that is a mathematical combination) may be too heavy for one to bear, I do not see myself as the cut-off line for morality or ethics.

In the end, however, it is whether we are honest with ourselves that matters most. In any particular situation, other principles, such as kindness and empathy when asked about volume and apparel, might make telling a fib a better policy!

Learn more about this author, Tom Koecke.
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