Ironically, I think dishonesty usually comes about as an attempt to avoid prices. A friend, Lynda Raff, once pointed out that lying is an attempt to get something for nothing. It’s the hope of being able to do something without the consequences that would naturally follow — the reactions of certain people.

In the process, it’s important to recognize that you will make all the decisions yourself.

But whether or not you accept it, you are sovereign. You rule one life — and you rule it totally. You decide which information you will accept or reject. You decide what your next action will be. You decide what moral code you’ll live by.

The uses may vary, but the principle is always the same: You want the truth so you can use it to produce a consequence you want. Truth is information that leads to predictable results.

Since the pay of each individual in the union is determined by factors other than his own achievement, his incentive to produce deteriorates. Once again, the overall output is bound to be reduced thereby — which means that the overall reward to be shared won’t be as high as it could be.

Every day of my life is mine to use as I see fit. My time isn’t committed to the state, to society, to a treadmill, or to fruitless relationships with people with whom I have nothing in common. I have no fear that the phone will ring any moment to tell me of something new I “must” do with my time.

Recognize each person you associate with for what he is, what specifically he has to offer you, and what he might value in you. Don’t confuse the issue by bringing in external matters that can only reduce the value of the relationship.

The only effective way to rule out competition is to find the market that wants your traits above all others. And you’ll find it and keep it by having the courage to stand up for what you are.

He who hesitates is bossed. — David Seabury