5 Myths About Honesty You Need to Stop Believing
Hello friends. It’s me, Marvin.
Over my years as a Radical Honesty trainer, I’ve seen a lot of misconceptions about what this practice really is and what it definitely isn’t.
The internet hasn’t exactly helped.
There are countless videos and articles of people “speaking their truth” when, in reality, they’re:
→ Looking for attention
→ Making excuses for bad behavior, or
→ Trying to get laid
Radical Honesty is about one thing: freedom.
→ Freedom from the endless mental chatter.
→ Freedom from the exhausting masks we wear every day.
→ Freedom from the invisible walls that keep us disconnected from those around us.
With that in mind,
Let’s tackle the five biggest myths about Radical Honesty—and why busting them might inspire you to join our Advanced 8-Day Intensive this January.
Yes, that’s my sales pitch, strategically placed at the end of this newsletter. 😊
Myth #1: Radical Honesty Means Total Openness
Radical Honesty doesn’t mean turning yourself into an open book or sharing every single thought, feeling, or moment of your life.
That would be exhausting—and honestly, a bit much.
It’s also not about creating a rigid new rule for yourself, like:
“I must always be honest.”
Adding pressure or dogma only gets in the way of what this practice is about: freedom and flow.
The goal isn’t to force yourself to be open all the time.
It’s about noticing when honesty could free you from tension or avoidance and acting from that awareness.
Myth #2: It’s Just About Being Factually Correct
Some people think honesty is all about factual accuracy—and yes, that’s part of it.
But Radical Honesty goes deeper.
There are people who pride themselves on being brutally honest and correct, but their “truth” is often delivered with a kind of coldness or rigidity.
They use facts as shields, keeping their deeper emotions and motivations hidden.
True Radical Honesty is not just about what happened or what’s correct.
It’s about letting others see what’s happening in you—your feelings, impulses, and unpolished truths.
Myth #3: Radical Honesty Is Just Dumping Your Thoughts
One of the biggest misconceptions about Radical Honesty is the belief that it’s about blurting out every thought or opinion that crosses your mind.
People who do this—those who "speak their mind" under the guise of some free-speech ideal—are often celebrated online as examples of honesty.
But this approach has little to do with the essence of Radical Honesty.
More often than not, this behavior is about maintaining control, asserting power, or clinging to personal judgments and ideas.
Radical Honesty, on the other hand, is about letting go of that control and opening yourself to the present moment, rather than holding tightly to your mental narratives.
Myth #4: Honesty as a Tool for Manipulation
Radical Honesty isn’t about using truth strategically to get what you want.
If you’re sharing your feelings or giving compliments with an ulterior motive—whether it’s guilt, flattery, or manipulation—you’re not practicing honesty.
True honesty requires you to share openly without attachment to how others respond.
It’s about creating connection, not controlling outcomes.
Myth #5: Honesty Is More Hurtful Than Lying
The biggest critique I hear?
“Honesty hurts, so isn’t it kinder to lie?”
Sure, honesty can sting in the moment.
But the wounds caused by lying are often deeper and longer-lasting. Lies pile up, distort relationships, and create distance.
They slowly erode trust in ways that are hard to repair.
When handled with care, honesty can clear the air, resolve misunderstandings, and create opportunities for growth.
The discomfort is usually short-lived—and far less damaging than the long-term pain of dishonesty.
Quick Tip: Ask Yourself This
When you’re about to hold back or lie, pause and ask:
Who am I really protecting here?
More often than not, you’ll find the answer is yourself.
You’re trying to avoid discomfort, maintain control, or keep the peace.
Recognizing that is a powerful first step toward making a different choice.
The Bottom Line
Radical Honesty isn’t about dumping your thoughts or playing by a new set of rigid rules.
It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of unfinished business, stepping out of mental clutter, and opening the door to clarity and connection.
This practice isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.
Now, the Sales Pitch
If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join our Radical Honesty Advanced 8-Day Intensive from January 11–19.
Held in a beautifully restored castle in Germany, this workshop is for those who’ve already attended an 8-Day Intensive, speak German, and are ready to go deeper.
You’ll explore how Radical Honesty can transform your relationships, creativity, and overall life energy in a way that’s real, alive, and liberating.
There are 3 spots left: click here to learn more and apply.
Hope to see you in January!
Warmly,
Marvin
P.S. For my English-speaking friends, there will be a Radical Honesty weekend workshop in March in Berlin and an Advanced 8-Day Intensive in Italy in August.
These will be my only two English workshops in 2025.
Marvin Schulz started his Radical Honesty journey almost a decade ago and learned directly from Dr. Brad Blanton. He is now a Certified Trainer, co-founder of the Radical Honesty Institute, and helps train the next generation of trainers.
Upcoming Workshops with Marvin:
