honesty quotes

Most poets are young simply because they have not been caught up. Show me an old poet, and I’ll show you, more often than not, either a madman or a master… it’s when you begin to lie to yourself in a poem in order simply to make a poem that you fail. That is why I do not rework poems.

A ‚No‘ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‚Yes‘ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.

Exaggeration is a blood relation to falsehood and nearly as blamable.

Falsehood is cowardice, the truth courage.

Concentration is my motto – first honesty, then industry, then concentration.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.

The truth is, I’ve never fooled anyone. I’ve let men sometimes fool themselves.

Anger cannot be dishonest.

A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.

Integrity has no need of rules.

Half a truth is often a great lie.

As long as the people don’t fear the truth, there is hope. For once they fear it, the one who tells it doesn’t stand a chance. And today, truth is still beautiful… but so frightening.

Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

Honesty is the best policy.

No man has a good enough memory to be a successful liar.

Tricks and treachery are the practice of fools, that don’t have brains enough to be honest.