JP and Honesty

Yeah I thought a pretty predictable topic too. Seems though that honesty and avoidance of deceit is not as simple as it sounds. And most of us can be under the illusion that "we are quite honest, and hardly ever tell lies."
The key is transparency to self. Avoid self-deceit. We rationalise our behaviour because as JP says our 'rational" side is proud and arrogant and way overrates itself.
I might think I am being kind to someone by agreeing with everything they say. But if I don't politely object to parts that bother me, I am possibly manipulating them so they will think well of me. Likewise if I am argumentative and automatically disagree with everything they say, I am not honestly keeping myself in check. I have stopped questioning the validity of my own thoughts and concepts.
JP seems to emphasise the value of doubt. that is how I understand him anyway. That it is more important to work towards new understanding than to stubbornly stick to what you already know.
We have to transcend fear. Don't be afraid to complain to anyone. Just learn how to complain. How to communicate. We might risk losing our job for instance but the process of taking that risk, transforms us into stronger human beings. The courage we gain is more important than the job itself. Avoidance of speaking our truth is the way we betray ourselves. So don't avoid conflict but don't go looking for it either. Jp might be one who suggests fighting is more valuable than "peace". Certainly "peace at all costs" can amount to self-betrayal. My parents were salt of the earth good people. But sometimes they caved in to bullying and harassment from their kids and others as well. In a passive and meek way. I would have liked to see them stand up for their own truth. Now I am hardly qualified to critique anyone especially my dear parents. I only do this to clarify my own values. And like JP I think I need to confront more than remain passive passenger.
I think following JP's advice will often make us unpopular and might set us up for constant conflict with others. But if I think of people I look up to and admire (JP being one of them), it is the ones who weren't afraid to speak their own truth, no matter the consequences. Bonhoffer, Gandhi, Solzenitzen, . because most of us play politics and compromise for fear of leaving our comfort zone or risking our current security.