The Questions Are Complicated

The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be” [Socrates].

We’ve heard it since we were children. “Honesty is the best policy” [Shakespeare]. Were you aware the quote continues, “If I lose mine honor, I lose myself”?

I’ve been wondering if honesty is still the best policy?  Does anyone care if they lose their honor? Or lose themself?

I’m just asking because I see so little of honesty these days.

What I do see . . .

– Politicians who say they love their families but stash lovers across town or around the globe.

– Deceptive lending that has brought the housing industry to its knees.

– Small print. Long disclaimers. Full page apologies.

– Neglected safety procedures. Misplaced documents. Pleading the fifth.

– Big proposals. Multi-million dollar lawsuits. Bait and switch.

– Fact finding missions. Special prosecutors. Testifying before Congress.

– Falsehoods instead of facts. Corruption instead of conviction.

We nonchalantly read the stories and listen to the reporting, and with a bite of toast and a sip of coffee, we begin another day in paradise.

Where has all the honesty gone?

And why aren’t we more enraged at its absence?

Perhaps, we’ve become so accustomed to fraud and deceit, that Ponzi Schemes and corporate corruption and government  bailouts have *yawn* lost their ability to outrage.   “It’s discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit” [Noel Coward].

Maybe honesty is “out of fashion” like gas guzzling cars, 8-track tapes, fur coats, and Tiddlywinks.

I hope not.

Honesty isn’t always easy, and at times it can be more costly than cheating. (I know this to be true from personal experience.) But I really like what Dr. Seuss said,

“Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.”

Regardless of what is being asked, or who is asking, or how it is asked, the correct answer is, simply, an honest one.

“The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy” [Robert E. Lee].

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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Mini Bites

When words are scarce, they are seldom spent in vain”
[William Shakespeare].

I’ve been reading the book, A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink. In it, the author attempts to explain why right-brained people will rule the future. The book came highly recommended, and since I consider myself to be predominantly left-brained, of course I had to evaluate the information Mr. Pink had assembled, and draw my own conclusions.

Well, I have to say that it is a pretty interesting read, and I think his arguments have merit. One component of the book I really enjoy are the exercises provided to help develop creativity. In one such exercise, the reader is challenged to write a mini-saga — which is a little story consisting of exactly 50 words and containing an opening, a middle, and an ending. I decided to accept Mr. Pink’s challenge.

Guess what? I had a lot of fun! So, I have prepared six ‘Mini Bites” for you to consume, each with only 50 words (reduced verbiage but same great content). Oh, I also threw in a closing paragraph with only 50 words. (Think of it as guilt-free dessert.) So tasty! Bon Appetit!

Appetizer:

I agree, fifty does not seem like nearly enough words to convey your thoughts. You must be clever and concise and get your point across quickly. Choose your words carefully. Provide the facts. Trust your readers to fill in the blanks. You will be surprised at how fun it is.

First Course:

Years ago Lucy was an exuberant puppy. Filled to overflowing with unending energy; eager to explore. Everything was new and required sniffing, tasting, chasing. Now, few things excite. Outside is perfunctory – do your business, sit in the sun, warm your bones. Car rides, sleeping, snacks and meals are the priority.

Second Course:

When your supervisor is on vacation, so are you. It doesn’t matter that you remain in the office, tending to endless details and ridiculous questions instead of visiting warm beaches or foreign lands. You’re working with the windows open. The sun is shining. Fresh air abounds. The breeze is exhilarating.

Third Course:

I sat in a terrible, horrible, very bad meeting for nearly three hours last week. UGH! The wrong people attended. The discussions were unfocused and meaningless. Attendees attacked and sniped and blamed. I watched the clock as my life slipped away. What a waste of a summer afternoon, I thought!

Fourth Course:

Driving along the interstate Monday, I hit and killed a hawk. The magnificent bird made a fatal error. Cars traveling at 70 mph were of no concern. The lure of fresh carnage in the middle of five lanes of traffic was too enticing. “Move!” I shouted! The image is inescapable.

Fifth Course:

I voted in an election today. I celebrated the opportunity to cast my vote and have my say. It’s my right, my obligation as a United States citizen. My heartfelt thanks to the men and women in uniform who make this freedom possible. I will not take it for granted.

Dessert:

Why not give it a try? Select a topic and write your own mini-saga, containing 50 words exactly. No more. No less. Your composition should have an opening, middle, and conclusion. Post your “mini-bites” under comments – I would love to read and share them. Post as many as you like.

You counted the words, didn’t you?

Whatever you are, be a good one!

Deanna

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