"It isn't the original scandal that gets people in the most trouble - it's the attempted cover-up"

This quote by Tom Petri talks to the relevance of being sincere and clear in all facets of life. It recommends that when a detraction or mistake is made, it is not the error itself that creates the most difficulty, however rather the attempt to cover it up. This is due to the fact that when someone attempts to cover up an error, they are basically lying and also deceiving others. This deceit can cause more troubles, as it can create skepticism and suspicion. Moreover, it can cause much more serious consequences, such as lawsuit or public humiliation. Consequently, it is necessary to be honest as well as open about mistakes, rather than trying to cover them up. Doing so can aid to avoid further problems as well as maintain trust and also regard.