quotations about honesty
Sneakiness and underhanded dealing are doubtless to be reckoned among the arts of self-advancement. Honesty is, in many cases, unquestionably the very worst policy. But though honesty be so, honesty is the right thing after all. But honest men sometimes think to possess together two inconsistent things. They think to possess the high sense of scrupulous integrity, and at the same time the favour, patronage, and profit which can be had only by parting with that.
ANDREW KENNEDY HUTCHISON BOYD
The Commonplace Philosopher in Town and Country
An honest man is the man who keeps his own counsel, and will not divide the plunder.
HONORÉ DE BALZAC
Father Goriot
I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you're trying to accomplish and what you're willing to sacrifice to accomplish it.
LEE IACOCCA
U.S. News & World Report, 1985
An honest man is respected by all parties.
WILLIAM HAZLITT
Characteristics
A clean mouth and an honest hand
Will take a man through any land.
GERMAN PROVERB
Honesty is a person's most valuable asset. His or her good name, good reputation, and good word depend on the individual's quality of honesty. A business that operates under the principles of profound honesty is elevated within the community. It is respected and treasured. The absence of honesty is a liability to an individual or business.
JAMES H. MERKEL & ABDUL WAHAD AL-FALAIJ
On the Art of Business
Some people are honest in the strict sense of the word; but they habitually push bargains so hard that their honesty is suspected. They tread so near the line dividing integrity from fraud, that the public entertain grave doubts respecting the legitimacy of their dealings. But it is a duty imperative on every man to avoid the perilous extreme bordering on theft, and to appear honest as well as be honest. Aim at living not only above dishonesty, but above suspicion, as well. "Provide things honest." Is that all? No; "provide things honest in the sight of all men." Not only be upright, but convince others of your uprightness. Let your life be honourable, entirely exempt from meanness and trickery.
JOHN CYNDDYLAN JONES
Studies in the Acts of the Apostles
An honest man is all of a piece the whole contexture of his life.
DANIEL DEFOE
"On Relative Honesty"
The purifying influence of public confession springs from the fact, that by it the hope in lies is forever swept away, and the soul recovers the noble attitude of simplicity.
GEORGE ELIOT
Romola
A day without honesty is like a day without sunshine.
JAMES H. MERKEL & ABDUL WAHAD AL-FALAIJ
On the Art of Business
What is more arrogant than honesty?
URSULA K. LE GUIN
The Left Hand of Darkness
There is one way to find out if a man is honest. Ask him! If he says yes, you know he's crooked.
GROUCHO MARX
attributed, The Harper Book of Quotations
With death comes honesty.
SALMAN RUSHDIE
The Satanic Verses
Successful people have cultivated the habit of never denying to themselves their true feelings and attitudes. They have no need for pretenses.
DAVID HAROLD FINK
Be Your Real Self
Lies get people into trouble, but honesty is its own defense.
DAVID HUDDLESTON
Life's Little Spiritual Instruction Book