“59% of American high school students say they cheated on a test during the past year. 21% say they stole from a parent or other relative, and 80% say they lied about ‘something significant’ to a parent. Still, 92% say they’re satisfied with their own personal ethics and character.”

(As seen in The Week magazine. Data from the Josephson Institute of Ethics.)
It’s shocking, yes. Disturbing. Might make you worry about the future of our country. But maybe you should worry about the present.

In what ways are you kidding yourself? I don’t think self-delusional thoughts are reserved for teenagers. This is one reason why it is important to:

• Read and expose yourself to other perspectives so you can better see the assumptions, habits, and perspectives that shape your own behavior
• Get feedback from others so you can see yourself as others see you
• Listen carefully so you hear what others are really saying and not what you expect to hear
• Watch the reactions and ask questions to understand the impact of your behavior
• Admit that you are not perfect and honestly pursue knowledge, understanding, and improvement

Those who take the time to reflect upon themselves, their behaviors, and the impact they have on others and their surroundings, will grow and make an increasingly positive contribution to the world around them. Those who barrel along boldly with unexamined certainty will provide the foundation for disturbing statistics like those above.