It's Not Just What You Say

In one of my classes this week we were talking about the ethical nature of the choices we make and the way we interact with others. My professor was pushing us to define honesty and think about when it is necessary. Does it mean simply not making statements that are false? Can you say nothing and be dishonest? Is it sometimes okay to be dishonest?

These are questions that sometimes, or even often, seem to have blurry lines - or to be more gray than black and white. My professor told us the rule of thumb that he likes to use: If you do something with the intent to mislead it is unethical, even if to do so would put you at a strategic advantage.

Personally, I like my professors rule of thumb. It is not just what you say, or fail to say, it is also the intent behind your words. I think it takes courage to be honest and to not let someone keep believing something that is not true even if revealing the truth may seem strategically unadvantageous.

In the long run, honesty and fair-play are strategically wise strategies to use. It is important to remember also that things that may not technically be unethical may ultimately undermine trust. Life is full of ongoing relationships and interactions. It is always wise to work to build and improve relationships and to address concerns as they arise. The peace of mind and conscience that comes from being honest is more important to me than any perceived gains of acting in an unethical manner.