Why Honesty Will Change Your Life

Why should you be truthful?

It's not because it's ethical. There are several other reasons for it and that's what we'll be covering today.

We'll go over the reasons you should be truthful, what honesty is, and how it will change your life.

Why should you be honest?

There are many reasons to be an honest person.

The obvious one is it's ethical and not being honest is manipulation in some form. This however is not a convincing argument for many and doesn't explore the real benefits.

If you are a Machiavellian type and looking for selfish benefit I'll make an argument as to why you should consider honesty.

Whenever you state a belief you are proposing an axiom on the plane of knowledge. A belief will always have people on either side arguing for or against it. Understand that every time you state a belief there will be people who oppose it.

The law of large numbers. As the sample size for the judgment of a belief increases an increasing number of people will both agree and disagree.

Do not resent or be surprised at disagreement with something you believe to be true.

The more honest you are the more this happens, your sample size is increasing.

The judgment somebody makes of your honesty is always for the best. When you state a belief they disagree with they may judge you poorly or well. If they agree they'll like you more because you're like-minded.

Many people fear the possibility of negative judgment. When you understand the negative judgment somebody makes of you is good; the fear is subverted.

The reason it's good is the judgment if they make it known to you will give you the knowledge they're not like-minded, and should be avoided.

Criticism is pointing out a difference between goal and reality. Judgment on that difference is a separate thing.

Welcome criticism because it makes you better. Welcome judgment because it gives you clarity.

When somebody makes a negative judgment on you it's for the best because it reveals their character. You can now choose to not interact with that person as much, which is probably mutually desired.

You'll find people making positive judgments as well which is for the best because you now know who to surround yourself with.

External judgment gives the clarity to decide who to get closer to and who to distance yourself from. For that reason, you should welcome external judgment on your authenticity.

The people who positively judge your honesty will like you more because of it. The people who share your values will like you more and those who don't will like you less which is ultimately what you want.

Authenticity will shape your environment into having more of the people who like you, and less of the people who don't.

That's why I don't fear the judgment of my YouTube channel or blog. If somebody sees it and thinks it's weird or funny I believe that's the best version of reality. They judge what is true, the alternative is me trying to make them fall in love with a facade.

That's why even if you have Machiavellian intentions honesty will make your life better; it surrounds you with people who admire the real you and push away those who don't.

What does being truthful entail?

It's important to have clear answers to this seemingly obvious question.

It means speaking and acting according to what you believe to be true. Don't filter your beliefs to please others. That doesn't mean being abrasive; you should be tactful. Package your message so it's better received, but don't dull the meaning.

When asked a question pause to think about your genuine answer. Don't spit out a default response.

It means committing to your best judgment. If you believe something to be true, don't shy away from acting upon it because others do not.

Trust your judgment and it will improve. You will make mistakes which inform your future judgment. If you rely on the judgment of others yours will atrophy.

Speak your convictions, yet be prepared to admit your mistakes. The inability to admit mistakes is the sign of a weak and insecure man playing status games and trying to uphold an image.

Strong beliefs loosely held.

A truthful person does not curb their personality in hopes of approval, this is deceit. Even if this strategy worked would you enjoy it? Everyone likes you but no one knows you. They don't even like you, only the projection you uphold.

How does honesty change your life?

As aforementioned, honesty curates your social circle. It prunes the people who are not like-minded and negatively view the real you. It attracts those who think the same things as you and who share similar values.

Imagine going on a date or meeting a potential friend. When you're inauthentic they may dislike the person you portray yourself as, when they would've liked the real you.

The people who like the authentic you are pushed away by your inauthenticity.

Best case you get someone who likes your facade, and worst case you alienate people who'd be great partners or friends.

When you eliminate that possibility from your life you operate at full potential for meeting good people.

Authenticity is the alignment of thoughts, words, and actions. When you hedge your words, say things you don't mean, and act in ways against your best judgment you'll have a deep sense of misery.

Being authentic is freeing because you have no barrier to saying what you want, and being what you could be.

Play the game where you have the advantage. Innately you have an advantage at being honest, not projecting an image of yourself. Play that game.

Speak the truth. Be impartial to the reception, response, and judgment of others. Say what you mean, and don't care if they're convinced.