Honesty and genuine happiness

Abstract

ABSTRACTGenuine happiness is impossible without authentic concern for and corresponding behaviour towards the well-being of others. Such an incorporation of others into the self refers to a ?democratic self? and the related regard for the common good. The author argues that the honesty of professionals who work in or for an educational or vocational setting is vital for the good of the individual and the common good. By introducing ?democratic selves?, recent advancements in Dialogical Self Theory (DST) point to an inclusion of the common good. However, given the importance of virtues for one?s own and the common good, the theory and its applications are in need of integrating virtues and in particular honesty.