This is a scarce commodity! I’ve met with all kinds of ‘white lies’, cover-ups, pretences – anything, just to avoid the appearance of ignorance. I’ve also come across a peculiar notion which holds that if we are strongly convinced about something, our enthusiasm and passion should be accepted as sufficient evidence of its validity. An impartial evaluation is not required and honesty can be put aside as long as we are defending what we feel honor-bound to defend. This has become so much a part of us that to recognize it and finally reject it, will take more than an ordinary effort. One way is to make a definition of honesty that is sharp, clear, with ‘teeth’ in it and then rigorously apply it. Here is such a definition: “ Honesty is the willingness to accept and acknowledge the value of a point or argument, no matter who brings it to the table, even if that affirmation might destroy our own previous stand.” I like to call it the “Wow! Factor”. If a point or piece of information is impressive, we should be willing to let it amaze us. We should be willing to say “Wow!” and mean it. The usual response is to first consider the implications and then acknowledge only what is ‘safe’ – only what will support our position and beliefs. But that is a pretense. We should be prepared to go where the evidence leads.

To inquire seriously is to inquire honestly.