Quote by Robert E. Lee
The trite saying that honesty is the best policy has met with the just criticism that honesty is not policy. The real honest man is honest from conviction of what is right, not from policy.
Summary
This quote highlights the criticism that the commonly used argument that honesty is the best policy may not always hold true. It points out that true honesty comes from a genuine belief in doing what is right, rather than following a strategic or calculated approach. While some may argue that honesty can be used as a policy to achieve certain ends, the quote emphasizes that an honest person acts based on their convictions, not on any form of manipulation or strategy.