quotations about honesty
If you wanted to do something absolutely honest, something true, it always turned out to be a thing that had to be done alone.
RICHARD YATES
Revolutionary Road
The line of honesty is so differently drawn by different persons, that one would be led to think that there was an honesty in the abstract. Practical honesty, however, in the strictest sense, will always be the object of him who wishes to settle a just account with himself.
WILLIAM DALBY
attributed, A Homiletic and Illustrative Treasury of Religious Thought
To be honest as this world goes is to be one man picked out of ten thousand.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Hamlet
An honest man is respected by all parties.
WILLIAM HAZLITT
Characteristics
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
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
KENT M. KEITH
The Silent Revolution
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
A few honest men are better than numbers.
OLIVER CROMWELL
letter to Sir W. Spring, Sept. 1643
If a man lived properly, not according to what any priests said, but according to what seemed decent and honest inside, then it would, at the end, more or less, turn out all right.
TERRY PRATCHETT
Small Gods
Honesty is the rarest wealth anyone can possess, and yet all the honesty in the world ain't lawful tender for a loaf of bread.
JOSH BILLINGS
attributed, The Modern Handbook of Humor
What is more arrogant than honesty?
URSULA K. LE GUIN
The Left Hand of Darkness
I'm just honest, I like that I don't have to worry about what I say. I really don't have the time or energy to pretend and I don't want to live that way.
ANGELINA JOLIE
interview, Jun. 13, 2001
It takes strength and courage to admit the truth.
RICK RIORDAN
The Red Pyramid
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 is never seen sitting astride the fence.
LEMUEL K. WASHBURN
attributed, Quote Unquote
Honest hearts produce honest actions.
BRIGHAM YOUNG
Discourses of Brigham Young
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's word is as good as the king's.
PORTUGUESE PROVERB
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