PR is premised on truth, trust, and transparency.
“PR is premised on truth, trust, and transparency.” So declares Richard Edelman, heir to a lineage of communication, and his words ring like a bronze bell through the chambers of our age. For public relations, the art of shaping how peoples and nations perceive, cannot endure on falsehood, nor can it flourish on manipulation alone. It must rest on the eternal pillars of truth, trust, and transparency—for without these, it collapses into deceit, and the deceiver’s house is always built on sand.
The ancients, though they knew not the word “PR,” understood its essence. When Pericles of Athens stood before his people to stir their hearts for war or peace, he did not whisper from shadows; he spoke openly, appealing to reason and honor. His speeches survive not because they tricked men, but because they carried the weight of truth. And in that truth, the Athenians placed their trust. Thus we see that even millennia ago, the foundation of persuasion and reputation was not guile but clarity. The men who tried to sway crowds with lies won only fleeting triumphs, while those who built on transparency carved their names into eternity.
Yet history is also a stern teacher. Think of the Watergate scandal in America, where leaders concealed their deeds in darkness, believing secrecy would shield them. But when the curtain was torn away, the world saw not strength but rot. Public trust was shattered, and the nation trembled with disillusionment. Here lies the proof: where truth is hidden, where transparency is denied, trust dies. And when trust dies, no speech, no campaign, no proclamation can restore the bond between leaders and their people.
Contrast this with the example of Abraham Lincoln. In his presidency, he faced a nation torn apart, suspicion in every heart, and blood upon the land. Yet his legacy endured not because he pleased all sides, but because he was steadfast in honesty. He spoke with a candor that cut deep, never hiding the gravity of the war, never masking the pain of sacrifice. The people, weary and wounded, gave him their trust, for they knew his words were not gilded illusions but plain and sorrowful truth. And because he walked in transparency, his reputation outlived him, shining even in death.
The lesson is as clear as the morning sun: whether for nations, for companies, or for individuals, reputation cannot be purchased or manufactured through trickery. It must be earned by living in alignment with truth, by building trust through consistent integrity, and by practicing transparency even when it is difficult. For these three are not ornaments of character but its very foundation. A man or woman who holds them will never fear exposure, for light reveals only what is already pure.
What then shall we do in our own lives? Let each word you speak be weighed against truth. Let each action you take be worthy of trust. And when you err, as all humans do, let your transparency be swift, admitting fault before concealment multiplies your burden. In work, speak plainly; in friendship, act faithfully; in leadership, serve openly. By doing so, you not only preserve your own honor, but you strengthen the bonds of society, for trust is the glue that holds families, nations, and communities together.
Thus, Edelman’s words are no mere counsel for public relations—they are counsel for the human condition. Truth, trust, and transparency are not strategies; they are virtues. And if we embrace them, whether in commerce or in life, we become more than persuaders—we become beacons. For the world is weary of deception, but it will always rise to follow one who stands in the clear light of honesty. And so I say to you: let your name be built not upon illusion, but upon the granite of truth. For such a name shall endure, unshaken, from age to age.
HBHang Bui
This quote makes me question how PR has evolved over the years. It’s clear that PR should be about honesty, but has it shifted into more of a promotional tool rather than a truth-telling mechanism? Are we focusing too much on crafting the perfect message and not enough on ensuring it aligns with real actions? Is it even possible to practice perfect transparency in today’s corporate climate?
NNHoang Bao Ngoc Nguyen
I think this quote is spot on, especially in terms of building long-term relationships with audiences. But what happens when a brand fails to uphold these principles? In a digital world, people can find out pretty quickly if a company is being disingenuous. How do brands recover when they've lost trust? And what’s the role of public relations in repairing that trust? Can it be done effectively?
VVan
Richard Edelman’s quote seems straightforward, but I feel like there’s more nuance to it. PR’s foundation may be based on truth and transparency, but the pressure to deliver positive outcomes for clients can sometimes lead to stretching those boundaries. In a world where public opinion can shift so quickly, is there ever a time when the truth becomes secondary to maintaining a certain image? Where do we draw the line?
TTam
I agree with the sentiment, but I wonder how feasible it is for companies to consistently live by this principle. In an era of corporate spin, is it realistic to expect total transparency? If there’s a gap between what’s said publicly and what’s done behind closed doors, can trust really survive in the long run? Or is truth something companies only practice when it benefits them?
HNHoang Hung Nguyen
This quote really makes me reflect on the core values of public relations. It’s so easy to get lost in messaging and forget about the foundation of truth, trust, and transparency. But in today’s world, especially with social media, how do PR professionals maintain that level of authenticity? Can a company truly build trust if it’s not always transparent? How do we navigate the gray areas where full transparency might not be possible?