People often think of “authenticity” and “honesty” as synonymous, but this misses essential differences. While it’s true that the two share features, authenticity transcends honesty. Honesty is just one feature of authenticity, which encompasses an even broader definition of genuine behavior. 

Authenticity involves being your true self in every way possible. Honesty is a part of this. You can’t tell a lie or willfully omit details and still claim you’re behaving authentically. But when honesty is your focus, you’re constantly making choices. Should you tell the truth or not? Might the truth hurt someone’s feelings? Maybe a little white lie would be better? 

Authenticity involves fully open expression, devoid of artifice or deception. It’s a willingness to let your genuine reactions flow freely from you — to be who you are in the moment without fear and without concern for saying the wrong thing. When you’re authentic, honesty is no longer a choice. It’s a natural consequence of speaking.