Suits: More Than Just a TV Show — Learning from the Characters and Their Struggles: Part 1
Honesty is the best policy
Honesty is a fundamental value that is highly emphasized in the hit legal drama series, Suits. From the very beginning of the show, we see the character of Harvey Specter, a high-profile lawyer at the prestigious law firm of Pearson Specter, stress the importance of honesty to his protégé, Mike Ross.
“Lying only gets you so far. The truth catches up to you eventually.” — Harvey Specter
Mike Ross, the show’s protagonist, may have landed his job at Pearson Specter through a lie, but Harvey teaches him that telling the truth is always the best course of action. In one episode, Harvey tells Mike, “The best way to gain someone’s trust is, to be honest with them.” This quote emphasizes that honesty is not only a moral obligation, but it is also a valuable tool to gain credibility and trust in both personal and professional relationships.
Throughout the series, Harvey and other characters demonstrate the power of honesty. For example, in one episode, Harvey confesses to making a mistake in court, even though it jeopardizes his case. This act of honesty not only helps Harvey maintain his integrity as a lawyer but also earns the respect and trust of his colleagues.
“The truth doesn’t always set you free; sometimes it puts you behind bars.” — Jessica Pearson
Furthermore, the show highlights the negative consequences of dishonesty. Characters who engage in dishonest behaviour, such as lying or stealing, often face severe repercussions, both professionally and personally. This serves as a reminder that while dishonesty may seem like a quick and easy solution to a problem, it ultimately leads to negative consequences and loss of trust.
“The problem with lying to yourself is that you eventually believe your own lies.” — Mike Ross
In my view, Suits teaches us that honesty is not only a moral obligation but is also a valuable tool for building trust and credibility in personal and professional relationships. By being truthful and transparent, we not only maintain our integrity but also foster a positive and trustworthy reputation. The show’s emphasis on honesty is a reminder that honesty is truly the best policy, both in the legal world and in life.
