One of the biggest casualties of our society is the simplicity of honesty. It seems that you cannot take anyone on his or her word anymore. There was a time when a man's word was his bond; and something as little as a handshake was as binding as any legal draft. These days, however, that is no longer the case. In fact, it is more than likely that you will not take someone at his or her word unless there actually exists a binding legal document to back it up; preferably with their signature very boldly displayed in several locations. The causes are numerous, but I think the three biggest reasons are political leaders, religious zealots, and big business. This is not to say that politics, religion and business are inherently untrustworthy, but many of the leaders in these arenas of society are questionable the second we lay eyes on them.

How many people will take a politician at his word? Sure during campaign time politicians will make all sorts of promises to every conceivable group out there to secure their votes. But how many of these promises are ever really kept? It is widely accepted that politicians are cheats and liars. It has become so bad that it is now expected and tolerated when a politician goes back on his word. People just accept it! There is a better way.

Many religious leaders can not claim the high seat either. These are the very people that should be the epitome of honesty. They are looked up to by the masses to lead us in a moral crusade against the evils of the world. But how many of these leaders have we seen swept up in scandals and tarnish the worlds view of religion as a whole? A closer look at these individuals will show that most were simply in it for the money. They were dishonest in their motives and lied to their congregations. Simply stated, they are human. Humans can not represent divine beings; it goes against our nature. There is a better way.

Finally, there is big business. Let us take the pharmaceutical industry for example. How many times recently have we heard about faked or doctored drug tests to get new drugs on the market quickly only to find out there were serious side effects? These lies have costs people their lives! Big tobacco, dummy companies, even hospitals are not free of corruption. There is a better way.

As a society, we have become used to being lied to and it has become a part of our everyday life. We have become so caught up in the lies that they are almost second nature and we do not think twice about it. This is not the way it should be! We need to stand up and make our leaders accountable for their actions and we must be accountable for ours. We should no longer just accept that lying is a part of politics, religion, business or life in general. Honesty is something that is sorely lacking in our society. We need to get back to a time when one could accept someone's word as their bond. How do we do this? Well as with most things, the change needs to start with one person! Could it be you? Take a good close look at all the things you do throughout the day. How many little white lies do you tell? How often do you tell someone you will take care of something by a certain and time and then don't, or procrastinate?

The best way to look at it is to see your words as a binding agreement that must be adhered to no matter the circumstances. This means you must think about and choose your words carefully (which is always sound advice). Never make an offer to do something lightly, and not intend to follow up on it. You should also hold others accountable for their promises as well. It is not enough that we simply hold ourselves up to a higher standard. We must also make it clear to others that they are going to be held answerable for what they say. This is not just in major promises either. We are talking about keeping ourselves and others accountable for everything we say, big or small.

For example, it may be as simple as saying something like, 'Yea, I'll send you an e-mail later tonight with that information", and then not following through. Yes, that is something very small and seemingly innocuous but in reality it is not. If you are making a commitment to send the e-mail then you must follow through with it. Any time you commit to something it you should view it as important as a legal binding agreement. Would you sign your name on a legal document making a commitment and then not follow through? If you knew there might be a chance that you would not be able to send it tonight then you should make it clear in your statement. If the statement was merely made to end an unwanted conversation or make a quick exit then it was simply a lie. It is what is referred to today as a "white lie". This is a term used to make a lie sound unimportant or like it is not a real lie. Making an excuse for any lie starts the process of making them more acceptable. This is where we are now; a society that accepts lies and expects to be lied to. There is a better way.

You can not change the world around you unless you are willing to change as well. You can not expect other people to honor their word if you do not. Do you want to make the world a better place, even if it is just your little corner of it? Then it is time you found a better way and walked a path differently than the rest of the people around you. What is this better way we have alluded to? It is the Basis of Being, welcome!

Book 1: Chapter 5: Maxim 15: If a person refuses to see the error of their ways or declines your help, then leave them to their own devices. Sometimes people need to discover things the hard way in order to change.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE