In a culture where distrust runs rampant, this word has become so commonly used by politicians and corporate advertisers to gain our trust that we are tempted to roll our eyes when we hear it used. We are cynical enough that when we hear someone promise transparency, we are immediately suspicious that the person using the term is hiding something.
What does it really mean for a person to be transparent? Can we be what people are looking for? Is there a way to rebuild trust in such a skeptical culture?
Thomas Hobbes once wrote about the general purpose of speech. He said that it was “to show others the knowledge we have attained” and “to make known to others our wills and purposes.” These two points together offer an excellent definition for genuine transparency, its value, and a tool for evaluation.
If someone promises transparency and all you see in their words is a reflection of yourself, then they probably are not being transparent with you. They might just be telling you what you want to hear. It is nice when people agree but agreement usually follows a lot of hard work.
Let us show one another what knowledge we have attained. Let us be clear and up front about our will and our purposes. This is the path to meaningful conversation. This is the path to agreement. Be transparent.
“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works,
and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned,
so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
Titus 2:7-8
