Chapter 3

Truth or Consequences

Honesty Is Moral but Truth Is Pragmatic

Third, the language of the truth: There may be “lies and damn lies” but there is, more critically “truth and real truth.” “Honesty” connotes a moral position, but truth denotes an empirical reality, which is owed to our employees, customers, investors, suppliers, families, and ourselves. Unfortunate choices of language can turn truths into lies and undermine honest communication.

Honesty Is Usually Subjective

Is a myth true or false? Is it honest or dishonest? Suppose I told you that a myth is a kernel of truth wrapped in a teaching lesson. Would that change your mind?

Is it honest to withhold information? Is the absence of the truth (versus an out and out lie ...

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