quotations about honesty
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
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
Honesty pays, but it don't seem to pay enough to suit a lot of people.
KIN HUBBARD
Abe Martin: Hoss Sense and Nonsense
No such thing as a man willing to be honest--that would be like a blind man willing to see.
F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
The Crack-Up
There is an honesty which is but decided selfishness in disguise. The man who will not refrain from expressing his sentiments and manifesting his feelings, however unfit the time, however inappropriate the place, however painful this expression may be, lays claim, forsooth, to our approbation as an honest man, and sneers at those of finer sensibilities as hypocrites.
ARTHUR HELPS
Thoughts in the Cloister and the Crowd
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
A clean mouth and an honest hand
Will take a man through any land.
GERMAN PROVERB
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
Where is the man who has the strength to be true, and to show himself as he is?
JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE
Conversations of Goethe
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
Lies get people into trouble, but honesty is its own defense.
DAVID HUDDLESTON
Life's Little Spiritual Instruction Book
An honest man is all of a piece the whole contexture of his life.
DANIEL DEFOE
"On Relative Honesty"
With death comes honesty.
SALMAN RUSHDIE
The Satanic Verses
Honesty maketh rich, but she works slowly.
GERMAN PROVERB
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