Examples of Honesty and Integrity

Honesty is one of the most valued virtues, but sadly is sometimes not always displayed. Honesty is important, not merely for its moral value, but because it builds credibility. People who are honest are respected and trusted by those who know them. This makes it much easier to convince people of things in times of doubt. Throughout history there have been many examples of honesty and integrity -- people who were known for their inability to mislead others.

One of the most famous examples of honesty and integrity is Abraham Lincoln. The 16th president of the United States had character far before he ever stepped foot into the White House. When Abe was a boy, his mother taught him to read. Abe taught himself to enjoy learning, and borrowed a book from a neighbor. He jammed the book between the logs in the cabin one night after reading, but it rained and the book was ruined. Abe worked to pay the neighbor for the book. Later, when he was older, Abe was given too much change at a store. He didn't realize it until he got home, but he walked all the way back to the store to return the money.

As a lawyer Abe was known for his honesty, and would only take cases in which he believed himself to be on the side of an honest person. For example, he wouldn't defend people who he thought were guilty.

Several other examples of honesty and integrity abound, but Abraham Lincoln stands out among them. He said, "resolve to be honest in all events."