"正直はとても高価な贈り物なので、安っぽい人からは期待しないでください。"

Honesty is like a rare gem—valuable and hard to come by. The core idea here is that genuine honesty comes at a cost, and you can't expect it from people who aren't willing to invest in that kind of integrity. Let's break this down. When someone is honest, they're often risking a lot: their reputation, their relationships, and sometimes even their safety. It's not something that comes easily or without a price.

This saying reminds us not to expect true honesty from everyone, especially those who are not willing to pay the price for it. Cheap people, in this context, aren't necessarily those without money but those who lack moral substance or integrity.

Historically, Warren Buffett is often credited with this saying. He's a guy who's spent his life working with all sorts of people, from financial bigwigs to everyday investors. In the world of high-stakes finance, where he's spent most of his career, honesty can be a rare commodity. Think about it—when millions or even billions of dollars are on the line, the temptation to be dishonest can be pretty high.

Okay, let's get practical. Imagine you're working in a company where transparency is key. You're part of a team working on a big project. One of your colleagues, let's call him Bob, is known for cutting corners and taking shortcuts. You'd be naive to expect Bob to give you a straight answer about the project's progress, right? It's not in his nature. He doesn't value honesty because it's inconvenient and demands a level of accountability he's not willing to shoulder.

So, what should you do? First, be discerning about who you trust. Not everyone deserves to know your secrets or your plans. Look for patterns in people's behavior—those who consistently show integrity and honesty are the ones you can rely on. Also, lead by example. Be the kind of person whose honesty others don't have to question. It sets a tone and, believe it or not, people notice.

Imagine you're in a situation where you need to confide in someone. Let's say you're going through a tough time at work and need advice. Would you spill your guts to that co-worker who's always gossiping? Probably not. You'd seek out that one friend who's always been straight with you, even when the truth was hard to hear.

Think about a time you faced a tough decision. Did you go with what was easy, or did you do what was right? Maybe you were tempted to fudge the numbers on a report to make things look better than they were. But then you remembered that the truth, while costly, is always worth it.

In essence, honesty isn't just about telling the truth—it's about embodying it. And to expect that kind of integrity from just anyone is like expecting to find a diamond in a pile of rocks. It's rare, it's valuable, and it's worth more than a million empty promises.

So next time you're faced with a situation where honesty is on the line, remember this: the cost of honesty is high, and not everyone is willing to pay it. Choose your confidants wisely, and be the kind of person whose word is worth its weight in gold.