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"Honesty is the best policy;" but he who acts on that principle is not an honest man.

— Richard Whately

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Honesty

More quotes by Richard Whately

It is a folly to expect men to do all that they may reasonably be expected to do.

He that is not aware of his ignorance, will be only misled by his knowledge.

Thoughts and Apophthegms from the Writings of Archbishop Whately (1856)

Correct use is not founded on Grammar, but Grammar on correct use.

Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

A benevolent disposition is, no doubt, a great help towards a course of uniform practical benevolence; but let no one trust to it, when there are other strong propensities, and no firm good principle.

No one complains of the rules of Grammar as fettering Language; because it is understood that correct use is not founded on Grammar, but Grammar on correct use. A just system of Logic or of Rhetoric is analogous, in this respect, to Grammar..

Elements of Rhetoric (1828)

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You have to start with the truth. The truth is the only way that we can get anywhere. Because any decision-making that is based upon lies or ignorance can't lead to a good conclusion.

Julian Assange

False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.

Socrates

It is better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be stupid and speak lies.

Solomon

Who dares think one thing, and another tell,
My heart detests him as the gates of hell.

Homer Iliad (-750)

Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Richard Whately (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.