A boy named Satyakama wanted to study with a wise teacher. The teacher asked, “What is your family line?” The boy ran to his mother, who said honestly, “I do not know, my son; just tell the truth.”
So Satyakama returned and said plainly, “I do not know my lineage, sir; this is simply what my mother told me.” Many would have made something up — but he spoke the truth.
The teacher smiled. “Only one devoted to truth could speak so honestly. You are welcome here.” And so his honesty itself became his finest qualification.