Honesty is the best policy
Experience has shown that honesty is a virtue which is commendable even from a business point of view, although the man who acts honestly, merely from motives of gain, can scarcely be called honest. Honesty succeeds far better, in the long run, because successful business relations depend, to a very large extent, on mutual trust and confidence. The honest man inspires this trust and confidence, not only in the also in those with whom he deals, and thereby enjoys a double advantage. Moreover, honesty advertises itself. Not only does the honest dealer retain his customers, but their number increases and his goodwill spreads. Then, again, honesty ensures safety. The man, who is honest, has nothing to fear. He makes no enemies but only makes friends who are sure to stand by him in case of need. But the dishonest man has no peace of mind. He comes to be looked upon with distrust and suspicion, and sooner or later exposed. He makes no friends, and gets little real sympathy in times of trouble. He is frequently in difficulties, and is often compelled to incur heavy expenses to evade the consequences of his fraudulent actions. It has been well said therefore that “Knavery may serve a turn but honesty is the best in the end.” The following true story affords a striking illustration of the truth of this maxim. A certain very rich merchant became a bankrupt through unavoidable losses. Many years later he invited all his creditors to a dinner, and their astonishment may be imagined when each found the money due to him, together with the full interest, placed under the cover of his plate. This single act of honesty rendered the merchant once more a pauper, but it so endeared him to the citizens of his town that they elected him unanimously to a post of great honour and profit, which he retained to the end of his life.
