One day, I found a handwritten note in Amharic on my car. The note began with a greeting and explained that the writer had accidentally bumped into my car in our residential parking area. He found no visible damage but left his full name and phone number in case I needed to make a damage claim. The note ended with a sincere apology.

Surprised by this gesture, I immediately inspected my car and, to my relief, found no damage. I then called the writer, who did not answer right away, so I sent a text expressing my gratitude for his commendable handling of the incident. Later that afternoon, I received a call from him. He reiterated what he had written in the note and offered to cover any damages I might find. I thanked him for his honesty and integrity, and he humbly replied that he had only done what was expected.

His response made me reflect on how much our moral compass has shifted. My surprise and gratitude indicated that such integrity is not commonly expected nowadays. While the man’s behaviour was straightforward and just, it made me question our societal standards and how far we have strayed from such values.

A few months ago, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) was the victim of a major fraud involving mostly university students. A glitch in the system led to students taking advantage, and withdrawing money they were not entitled to. The Bank quickly corrected the glitch and identified the culprits, issuing a notice to return the stolen money. It was disheartening that most of these notices had to be posted on university campuses while the Bank President, during a press conference, lamented that the perpetrators were students—those who should be better role models.

This incident contrasts sharply with the man who left me the note. It highlights how the values of honesty and integrity may be lacking in the new generation. However, it is important not to generalise as the problem lies with the failings of the previous generation and society at large. An example of honesty in the younger generation occurred a couple of years ago when I left my mobile phone at an ATM in Century Mall. A young couple helped me call which was answered by someone who had found it. He waited for me at a food court and returned it. His kindness was commendable, and we even exchanged contact information to stay in touch.

These instances of honesty are heartwarming and show that integrity still exists. Many people return lost valuables, proving that the saying “honesty is the best policy” still holds.

However, it is difficult to uphold honesty in a world filled with injustice and unfairness. People sometimes resort to dishonesty to achieve their goals, creating false identities and stories to immigrate or gain financial advantages. Fraudulent activities, including identity theft, are rampant and damaging, harder to trace due to their virtual nature.

As the world becomes more globalised, the risk of dishonesty and fraud increases, posing difficulties even for institutions. For regions like sub-Saharan Africa, the preparations to combat these issues are insufficient. Equipping society with strong moral standards is crucial. A system promoting honesty and integrity is essential for an equitable and progressive future. Teaching these values from childhood ensures that people understand the importance of doing the right thing, regardless of the complexities of life.