National Honesty Day

Young woman with a sincere expression, dressed in business attire, office setting, surrounded by truth-related props (ie: truth meter, truth book). — National honesty day illustration

On National Honesty Day, we leave our tall tales, fibs, and little white lies at the door. Ever heard that honesty is the best policy? It's time to put that to the test!

When is Honesty Day?

It's national honesty day on the 30th April.

A Brief History of National Honesty Day

National Honesty Day had its first internet recognition on 30th of April, 2015, when we detected an avalanche of 11302 honest-loving online mentions. It's enough to make Pinocchio's nose shrink! The inception of this day though, is traced back to M. Hirsh Goldberg, who after spending years researching and publishing 'The Book of Lies', decided a day should be dedicated to the 'honest truth' and thus the National Honesty Day was born.

Embracing the Truth

Distilled down to its purest form, National Honesty Day encourages a day of truthful communication between friends, family and colleagues. It might be tougher than swallowing a dictionary, but the truth can indeed set you free.

Honesty in Various Spheres of Life

Be it in finance, where honest financial management can save one a penny or two; to properties, where truth in transactions can avoid future tussles. From raising awareness about the benefits of honesty in our daily lives, to its romantic implications (admit it, honesty is pretty darn attractive), it's no surprise that a day dedicated to the virtue of truth has made such online waves.

History behind the term 'Honesty'

1390

Early origins

The term 'honesty' can be traced back to the 14th century. It originated from the Old French word 'honesté' and the Latin word 'honestas,' both of which means 'honor' or 'respectability.' In its early usage, 'honesty' referred to the quality or state of being morally upright, virtuous, and honorable.

1590

Expanding to include truthfulness

During the late 16th century, the term 'honesty' started to encompass the concept of truthfulness as well. It became associated with the quality of being sincere, genuine, and free from deceit. This expanded definition further solidified the term's importance in ethical and moral discussions.

1751

Benjamin Franklin's influence

In 1751, Benjamin Franklin published an influential work titled 'The Way to Wealth,' which contained his famous proverb 'Honesty is the best policy.' This phrase became widely known and popularized the idea that being honest and truthful brings more long-term benefits and success than dishonesty. Franklin's words resonated with many and contributed to the enduring cultural significance of honesty.

1849

The Gold Rush and 'honesty'

The California Gold Rush in 1849 brought its own impact on the use of the term 'honesty.' As thousands flocked to pursue their fortunes, dishonesty and deception became prevalent in the competitive gold fields. This context led to the phrase 'Honesty is the best policy' gaining even more prominence as a reminder of the values needed to thrive in such an environment.

2021

Honesty in the digital age

In the present day, honesty continues to hold immense cultural significance, especially in the context of the digital age. With the rapid spread of information and technology, the concept of honesty has become intertwined with online transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness. Ensuring honesty in digital communication and interactions has become a vital aspect of fostering healthy relationships, businesses, and communities.