The Myth of "Honor Among Thieves"

There is a familiar scene in the drama of human affairs that is played over and over again through the years⎯a scene that has often been known to move through a sequence something like this; a group of people combine for the accomplishment of certain questionable purposes. It may be for the exploitation of some unfair advantage; it may be for the defrauding of unsuspecting people; it may be for any questionable purpose of pursuit⎯even for the domination of a country or the subjugation of a world. Oft times the schemers swear themselves to loyalty and secrecy; they combine with promises and oaths and then set out upon their way, sometimes to realize a measure of success. Inevitably, however, sooner or later, something goes wrong. They overplay their hands; their victims become sorrier and wiser; the house begins to fall; each one frantically endeavors to extricate himself by sacrificing someone else; and there follows a climax of distrust and betrayal. The myth of “honor among thieves” may have some classic examples which would seem to prove it to be true, but for every one that does, there are a million to contradict the theory. Fair-weather conspirators soon become mortal enemies when; the tide of fortune turns and the saving of heads is the order of the day. We have seen much of it and will see yet more of it. There is not and cannot be any assurance of loyalty where a dishonorable purpose is involved. There are no bonds or oaths or penalties or pledges or threats strong enough continually to hold any combination of men together in any infamous cause, in prosperity or adversity. The only certainty in such sequences is the certainty of distrust and tragedy and fear and ultimate failure. And this all men, both young and old, should remember before they set out upon any questionable course with questionable companions.