Let’s see their dictionary meanings first:
Honest- free of deceit & untruthfulness, sincere.
Rude- offensively impolite or ill-mannered
The quality of being honest is honesty & to be rude is rudeness.
As it is clear by their meanings, how different are they from each other. But some of us misunderstand them and take rudeness as honesty. We think that by being straightforward or by speaking whatever we think or feel, about the other person on any particular moment, we are proving our honesty. It is not right, not at all.
Honesty is a pure trait, which is deep & serene ; whereas rudeness is shallow & shows how insecure are we.
An honest person never have to shout to prove himself right neither he has to taunt or hurt someone through his speech. His way of speaking, his gestures, his eyes tell it all. Whereas the rude one is insecure & acts/speaks hastily & may be tauntingly.
Recently I read this beautiful quote in the book- Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda Paramhansa; found it worth sharing:
“Straightforwardness without civility is like a surgeon’s knife, effective but unpleasant. Candour* with courtesy is helpful & admirable.”
This quote elaborates it all.
Rudity shows insecurity whereas honesty is security.
Honesty makes us as light as feathers whereas rudeness weighs us down.
Hope you do agree with me.
Happy day buddies!!!
*Candour – the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech.