Why Did Benjamin Franklin Say "Honesty is the Best Policy"?

"Honesty is the best policy." This proverb is so familiar it feels ancient—and it is. While Benjamin Franklin made it famous in America, the saying predates him by over 100 years. Yet Franklin's practical application of this wisdom through his Sincerity virtue gives it enduring relevance.

Key Takeaways

• Original source: Sir Edwin Sandys, 1599
• Franklin popularized it through Poor Richard's Almanack
• Franklin's Sincerity virtue: "Use no hurtful deceit"
• Honesty as "policy" = strategic choice with best long-term results
• Trust compounds—dishonesty destroys it

Origin of the Quote

The phrase "Honesty is the best policy" was first recorded in 1599 by Sir Edwin Sandys, an English politician and entrepreneur associated with the Virginia Company:

"Our grosse conceipts, who think honestie the best policie."

Franklin's Role

While Sandys originated the phrase, Benjamin Franklin made it famous in colonial America through Poor Richard's Almanack. Many people today associate the quote with Franklin rather than its original author.

For more of Franklin's collected wisdom, see ourPoor Richard's Almanack quotes.

What the Quote Means

"Honesty"

Truthfulness in speech and action. Being genuine rather than deceptive. Accurate representation of facts and intentions.

"Is the Best Policy"

The word "policy" is key. This frames honesty not as mere moral obligation but as strategic choice— the approach most likely to yield good outcomes over time.

The Practical Argument

The proverb doesn't say honesty is always easy or comfortable. It says honesty is the best policy— meaning compared to alternatives (lying, deception, half-truths), honesty produces superior long-term results.

Franklin's Sincerity Virtue

Franklin systematized honesty through his Sincerity virtue:

"Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."

Key Elements

• "Use no hurtful deceit" — Don't lie in ways that harm others
• "Think innocently and justly" — Honesty starts in the mind
• "If you speak, speak accordingly" — Words should match thoughts

Note the nuance: "hurtful" deceit. Franklin was practical—he recognized social graces and timing matter. But chronic, self-serving dishonesty destroys trust.

Why Honesty Works as a Policy

Trust Compounds

Each honest interaction builds trust. Trust opens doors— to business relationships, friendships, opportunities. Over time, a reputation for honesty becomes a valuable asset.

Lies Require Maintenance

Every lie requires remembering and maintaining. Deception creates cognitive load and risk of exposure. Honesty simplifies life—you only need to remember the truth.

Dishonesty Destroys Relationships

Once trust is broken, it's extremely difficult to rebuild. A single major lie can undo years of relationship building.

Self-Respect

Franklin noted that honesty leads to "self-acceptance" and authenticity. Living honestly means not having to pretend to be someone you're not.

Applying This Wisdom

1. Default to Honesty

Make truthfulness your baseline. Before speaking, ensure your words accurately represent your knowledge and intentions.

2. Build Long-Term Reputation

View every interaction as an opportunity to build trust. Short-term deception may seem advantageous but damages your most valuable long-term asset: credibility.

3. Be Honest with Yourself

Franklin's virtue starts with thinking "innocently and justly." Self-deception leads to external deception. Practice honest self-assessment first.

4. Consider Timing and Tact

Honesty doesn't mean brutal bluntness. Franklin's "hurtful deceit" phrasing suggests avoiding unnecessary harm. Truth can be delivered with kindness.

5. Admit Mistakes Quickly

When you're wrong, say so immediately. Honest acknowledgment of errors builds more trust than the illusion of perfection.

Track Your Sincerity Virtue

Use our Ben Franklin Virtues app to practice the Sincerity virtue daily. Track whether you "used no hurtful deceit" each day—honest self-review builds honest character.