THE ETHICAL LIFE If our time is characterized by dishonesty, what can we do about it? — Richard Kyte Richard Kyte Columnist Aug 7, 2026 4 hrs ago 0 Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Richard Kyte is director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and co-host of "The Ethical Life" podcast. kAmpC6 H6 =:G:?8 :? 2 E:>6 492C24E6C:K65 3J 5:D9@?6DEJnk^AmkAmr9C:DE:2? q] |:==6C E9:?<D D@] x? 9:D C646?E 3@@<[ Q%96 w@?6DEJ rC:D:Di !C6D6CG:?8 ~FC |@DE %C62DFC65 ':CEF6 :? 2? x?4C62D:?8=J s:D9@?6DE (@C=5Q[ 96 56D4C:36D H92E 92D 8@?6 HC@?8 :? A@=:E:4D[ ?6HD[ A6CD@?2= C6=2E:@?D9:AD[ 65F42E:@?[ 6?E6CE2:?>6?E 2?5 C6=:8:@?]k^AmkAm%96 3@@< :D 2 7@==@H\FA E@ 9:D H@C< @? %96 w@?6DEJ !C@;64E[ 2 C6D62C49 AC@;64E :?G@=G:?8 5@K6?D @7 D49@=2CD H9@ 92G6 366? 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H6 D9@F=5 >2<6 :E 4=62C E@ E96> E92E H6 G2=F6 9@?6DEJ 23@G6 2== 6=D6]k^AmkAm%9:D :D?’E 4@>A=:42E65[ 3FE :E :D 92C5] xE C6BF:C6D 92G:?8 2 4=62C AFCA@D6 2?5 7@==@H:?8 E9C@F89 @? :E 52:=J] x7 H6 G2=F6 9@?6DEJ[ H6 >FDE ?2>6 :E 2?5 4=2:> :E]k^Am Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His new book, “Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way),” is available from Fulcrum Books. He also cohosts “The Ethical Life” podcast. 0 Comments Locations Lacrosse Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. 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