Translated as “honesty” in a direct reversal of English, honesty is a virtue in free fall, in forced disappearance. Despite the fact that the Decalogue commands “not to lie”, this call was lost in the thread of the huge ball of history, when sociality was codified, and groups started in the heat of the speeches of leaders, either from the pulpit or from the front.

When the “white lies” appeared, sympathy covered everything from pity to cowardice, and words were directed along the lines of liking, convenience, flattery, and servility. It is impossible to tell someone that his appearance is far from desired or that his facial expression is worrying. Patients had to alleviate their real illnesses. Whoever had any degree of power was elevated a little higher with praise. He who expected a future favor, uttered compliments. The language of kindness was abundant and never in short supply. Few felt embarrassed by these little lies which, according to opinions, made life more bearable.

In his theory, democracy brought the idea that the words of the drivers will convince us of the truth of their willingness to serve and plans to create projects for the development and coexistence of societies. But the extremes gradually drifted apart: on the one hand, pretenders to our votes with heated verbal tricks, but no support, and on the other, an unidentifiable conglomerate who plays with empty expressions, who repeats slogans, who does not declare their intentions. . “People are not stupid,” the manipulators tell the masses, sure that their messages of studied efficiency do not enter the brain in a straight line, but through emotional pathways based on repetition, images perfectly studied to shock, frighten, charm. Sure they know our battered conglomerate, they reject the gift of the moment, the striking offer, the solution that seems closest. It doesn’t matter that they are impossible or that they are insinuated behind a bunch of unfathomable words: transparency, strengthening, defense, supply.

Few felt embarrassed by these little lies which, according to opinions, made life more bearable.

Speaking the truth in politics should be the last alternative to those in command. It includes the network of participants and possible consequences embedded in collective messages. Sometimes these truths have counterproductive effects for popularity and public opinion, for a thousand judges created by social networks. Yet the truth is a quality in itself, it is a flame that must be kindled, even if it burns. Those who conceal the immediate facts must reckon with the passage of time, with the power of history which will irreversibly expose fraud, error and complicity.

Don Quixote celebrated discretion in passing. And he welcomed in his squire that characteristic which dignified the clumsiness of the peasant. Today, such behavior is opposed to the exhibitionism with which many move, either to gain audience favor or simply to have a quarter of an hour of fame. Appearing intelligent and strong in front of others is the imperative of the campaign that is harassing us today; fake happiness and success, the one from Instagram photos. Absolute honesty has shifted towards the mirror. (OR)