Can Honesty Really be Imposed with Rules?

One of the most incredibly famous proverbs works around a trait that has been abused almost beyond human attribution. “Honesty is the best policy” – ooh yeah? How about practicing it mate? :-D A cruel analysis of events reflects that worldly honesty comes with a condition that most aren’t willing to discuss – “to be practiced only within the confines of convenience”. There have also been calls for strict rules in the systems of governance to ensure that honesty is practiced. The most recent case is being seen in India where a call for Jan Lokpal is being made quite strongly. Though a strong way to curb corruption and ensure honesty is the desperate need of the hour, the following points prevent me from being too optimistic.

Can the King Ensure that his Sons will be Good Too?

Even if we assume that the current crop of leaders is dedicated to fight against corruption (lack of honesty), can it be guaranteed that the board members, who will follow them, will be of the same disposition? This question is essential, considering they will possess immense powers if the Bill is passed. History is abundant with cases where good kings, even though they are essentially monarchs, have played pivotal roles in some of the most developed and progressed civilizations. When there is great power laid in the hands of one good meaning person, the journey to progress is undoubtedly fast. The problems start once such power reaches the wrong hands. Even if the shifting of power does not happen inside the family (like a monarchy), it is a dangerous proposal to put so much power in the hands of a few. Democracy works on the decentralization of power and its institutions work as checks against each others’ dictatorial ambitions.

Can there be Honesty without Tolerance?

The raging discussions on honesty notwithstanding, it is not something that can be forced with laws. Honesty is a way of life which can be practiced only in an environment of tolerance. For example, how can I be honest about how that dress looks on you if you are intolerant of any negative views? Society, in an attempt to diffuse the harshness of nature, has devised numerous ways to temper down the tone of presentation through ways of diplomacy. Though this does become necessary on occasions, this fosters the habit of a search for comfort zones, where the honest views are carefully pushed out of the light.

You May Not Take but Can You Resist Offering?

In the context of bribes, the best way to curb dishonesty is to stop paying under the table. How can anyone accept a bribe if none agrees to pay it? But will you be able to practice the same, when something valuable to you is at stake. For example, even if the school where your child wants admission (but is not able to do so, on merit) does not ask for donations, will you be able to resist offering any?

Will you be Honest in the Face of Loss?

The strength to stay honest diminishes even further in the face of loss. You may be able to resist the temptation of dishonest ways in order to achieve a premier position, but how about the occasions when you face a loss. If your child commits a crime right before you, how many of you will have the nerve to take him to the police station and report it?

Society’s tendency to create comfort zones has strewn thorns on the path of the honest. The ones that have to face the music, due to your honesty, are not tolerant of your actions. Even if you are the only one hurt due to your honesty, you will be strategically labeled a complete idiot. The path of honesty in the modern age is for the bravest of hearts that can take the scorn of even their own. The rest are just calf rhinos waiting to transform.