"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." 

- Thomas Jefferson

      Thomas Jefferson was the third president of our fine country. He also wrote the Declaration of Independence, and was the founder of the University of Virginia. He was known as a public official, philosopher, and historian. He was a member of the Continental Congress. In his family life, he had six children, but only two of which lived through adulthood.  Finally, he was a founding father of America.

     I pride myself on being a very honest person. If I were asked to describe myself in one word, it would be honest. This quote is all about honesty, which I obviously value. Here, Thomas Jefferson suggests that honesty is the number one policy by saying that its the first chapter of the book of wisdom. If you don't already know, the dictionary definition of wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise. So our friend Tom is obviously a wise person, with his political and educational background and all. He is a good person to get advice from. (By the way, you know when you are always asked the stupid question, "If you could meet one dead person, who would  it be?" I always said Thomas Jefferson. Funny right?)  I find it interesting that this long ago people had some of the same basic values that people have today. I guess that reveals something about human nature though. 

      When I was a little girl, the most trouble I ever got in was for lying. At a young age, I was taught to be truthful all of the time, no matter who I was talking to. This underlying childhood value still lies within in me. (Ha ha do you get it? Because it lies within me but I don't lie.) And I think that the reason I am such an awful liar is that I never have gotten much practice of it. Also, I always get really hurt when people lie to me. I don't care who you are, whether it be my mother, best friend or just a good old acquaintance, it will be difficult for me to forgive you.

      While honesty is something you should strive to have continually, there is a time and a place where sugarcoating is necessary. Don't take something so literally that its to a point of irrationality. Just use your common sense when dealing with sensitive topics. 

     Thanks for reading my thoughts of honesty.

(PS I apologize for the awful pun I just couldn't help myself.)
       
          Mr. Thomas Jefferson