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
I'm going to tell it like it is. I hope you can take it like it is.
MALCOLM X
speech at founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, Jun. 28, 1964
An honest man is the man who keeps his own counsel, and will not divide the plunder.
HONORÉ DE BALZAC
Father Goriot
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
I will be honest if only to differ from my neighbors.
ABRAHAM MILLER
Unmoral Maxims
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
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
An honest man is all of a piece the whole contexture of his life.
DANIEL DEFOE
"On Relative Honesty"
A clean mouth and an honest hand
Will take a man through any land.
GERMAN PROVERB
What is more arrogant than honesty?
URSULA K. LE GUIN
The Left Hand of Darkness
A day without honesty is like a day without sunshine.
JAMES H. MERKEL & ABDUL WAHAD AL-FALAIJ
On the Art of Business
With death comes honesty.
SALMAN RUSHDIE
The Satanic Verses
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
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