"Nice guys finish last." It's an oft repeated aphorism, a euphemistic version, perhaps, of the adage, "There's a sucker born every minute." However it is viewed, it reflects conventional wisdom concerning the intrinsic value of honesty. So much for the ethical standards of the me first society.
Does honesty confer value to a member of society? I honestly don't know for sure. It really depends, as do so many other things, on one's personal set of values. "What does it buy you?" is a common criterion for value. Honesty buys you disdain from enemies and, perhaps, good will from family and friends. The latter is a possibility. The former is a certainty that, to be honest, may have positive value for one's self esteem.
So do nice guys finish? Ultimately it devolves to one's personal meaning of life. My own choice is to have a loving monogamous relationship in life on Earth, and strive for heavenly rewards within the fond memories of family and friends. So far so good, knock on wood.
Good life is just a bowl of Cheerios.™ People are work.
Does honesty confer value to a member of society? I honestly don't know for sure. It really depends, as do so many other things, on one's personal set of values. "What does it buy you?" is a common criterion for value. Honesty buys you disdain from enemies and, perhaps, good will from family and friends. The latter is a possibility. The former is a certainty that, to be honest, may have positive value for one's self esteem.
So do nice guys finish? Ultimately it devolves to one's personal meaning of life. My own choice is to have a loving monogamous relationship in life on Earth, and strive for heavenly rewards within the fond memories of family and friends. So far so good, knock on wood.
Good life is just a bowl of Cheerios.™ People are work.
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