The Cherry Tree Principle Revisited

Policyholder Advisor & Alert

PUBLISHED ON: December 1, 1994

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Everyone remembers thestory of GeorgeWashington and the cherry tree.

Washington’s father discovered one daythat somebody had felled a cherry tree in his orchard.  When his father asked who was responsible, Washington acknowledged it was he, saying,“Father, I cannot tell a lie.”

Washington’s father responded by commending his honesty, and stressing that lying would have been worse than the original deed.