Definition: the quality of being honorable in principles, intentions, and actions; freedom from deceit, falseness, or fraud Synonyms: integrity, uprightness, truthfulness, sincerity, trustworthiness, genuineness, virtuousness, incorruptibility Discussion: How does one approach honesty? Take it seriously. Recognize that honesty is a fundamental condition for friendship, for community. “There can never be any solid friendship between individuals or union between communities that is worth the name unless the parties be persuaded of each other’s honesty” (Mitylene’s Envoys to Athens, Thucydides’ Peloponnesian War III. 10). Alice Carey observed, “... for he who is honest is noble whatever his fortune or birth.” Heartwood Story Quote: “Because you are such an honest boy,” the old man said, “...do not be surprised... if you find your axe to be much more of a treasure than the others.” —Demi, Chen Ping and His Magic Axe Honesty Quotations: “A straight line is shortest in morals as well as in geometry.” —Rahel “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” —William Shakespeare*, Hamlet “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” —Thomas Jefferson “Honesty is the best policy.” —Benjamin Franklin “The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be; and if we observe, we shall find, that all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.” —Socrates “A truth that's told with bad intent Beats all the lies you can invent.” —William Blake “The highest compact we can make with our fellow is: Let there be truth between us two forevermore.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson “The integrity of the upright shall guide them.” —Proverbs 11:3 *Note: If Shakespeare were alive today, he would doubtless use the word “person” rather than “man.” In our time, we explicitly recognize that courage, spirit, honor, integrity, and other personal attributes are not gender-, culture-, or ethnicity-related, but are defining characteristics of the best of all humans. Facets of Honesty in Heartwood Stories (K - 6): Courage to tell the truth (Pedrito’s Day) The critical difference between truth and fiction, real and pretend (Sam, Bangs, and Moonshine) Courage to be honest in the face of defeat (The Empty Pot) Honesty with self under group pressure (Our King Has Horns!) Honesty requires consideration for others (Maggie and the Pirate) Keeping promises builds bonds of trust (A Day’s Work) Honesty and integrity require being true to one’s word, keeping a promise (Fire on the Mountain) Lessons of honesty are learned through observing selfless giving (The Gold Coin)

Honesty Poster Download an 8½ x 11" Honesty poster.