Why does honesty matter? When you leave your valuables on the lunch table or use a bank account to save money, you're relying on the honesty of others. While it's easy to convince yourself that a small lie is harmless, cheating is a slippery slope: dishonesty breeds more dishonesty. It's important to create environments where it's easier to do the right thing. Honesty builds trust, and trust creates a healthier social fabric.