Give me your word

 My father once tried to impress upon me that the most important and most valuable thing a person has is their word. If you give your word that you will do something or not do something, your word is a commitment. No contract, no oath, no swearing necessary. Look them in the eye, shake their hand and give your word, and that is a commitment. I would argue that this mindset is an aspect of integrity, trustworthiness, and honor. It has been suggested that any society's greatest natural resource is an inherent honor, a valid belief that you can trust a person to give their word and actually take them at their word to follow through, regardless of what may happen thereafter. For an example of how powerful this can be, look at Japan. I have always strived to embody this idea, and even when it has bitten me due to circumstances, it is a powerfully positive way to do business. 

I have a story on this subject from years ago, as I remember it; 

Once upon a time, I borrowed a friend's truck, with the agreement that if anything happened to the truck, I would take care of it. Upon arrival at my destination (200 miles away) I discovered that the rear brakes were metal to metal which means, they needed to be replaced immediately. Having given my word, I was committed to repair the vehicle, and I did, but I was stung and educated by the deal because I paid for parts that I did not cause the failure of, they only finally failed while the vehicle was in my possession. Probably 99.99% of the wear that caused the failure of the brakes was caused by the owner or previous borrowers, but I still paid for the parts out of my pocket. I have no issue with that, because that is what I agreed to, but even though the owner was not obligated to do so, the honorable thing for him to do would have been to offer to pay me back for the parts cost because it was his vehicle and he was keeping the parts I installed on his vehicle. As I remember it, That offer never came. I don't even know if the owner was unaware of the impending brake failure, and perhaps made the loan deal knowing it might result in him getting work done on his vehicle, parts and labor free. This is a perfect example of the power of giving your word and having an expectation of reciprocal honor. I kept my word, so my honor is intact. He did not break his word but he still did not act in an honorable way, and his reputation suffers for it. Of course in the final analysis, I'm glad something more expensive did not fail, and I learned a lesson..

This is just a fragment of my headspace on this subject which was initiated by listening to a lecture on the psychological significance of the biblical stories by Jordan Peterson. Specifically, the lecture about a half blind Isaac giving his blessing to Jacob who is pretending to be Esau (the eldest son), and thus steals Esau's birthright.. and Isaac cannot retract the blessing, it has already been given, the words are spoken, it cannot be undone.. Peterson (wrongfully imho) seems to somewhat denigrate the idea that the deal, even when predicated on falsehood, cannot be undone, which seems to be a moral lesson to be careful in one's speech and to contextual details. This is important. 

I have found these lectures to be extremely powerful, thought provoking and so worth the time, that i have listened to them all several times and continue to find new facets and depth hidden within them every time. 

 Peterson Biblical Lecture Series (YouTube)