Gene Hackman Quotes

Of all the properties which belong to honorable men, not one is so highly prized as that of character.

If a man suffers ill, let it be without shame; for this is the only profit when we are dead. You will never say a good word about deeds that are evil and disgraceful.

Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.

If honor were profitable, everybody would be honorable.

I'm actually a pretty decent human being, and when I'm home I'm straight as an arrow.

The integrity of men is to be measured by their conduct, not by their professions.

Honest men are the soft easy cushions on which knaves repose and fatten.

Only men of character are trusted.

I don't know what a scoundrel is like, but I know what a respectable man is like, and it's enough to make one's flesh creep.

There are more honest people and more good people than there are thieves and bad people. It's just always been that way.

Unfortunately, goodness and honor are rather the exception than the rule among exceptional men, not to speak of geniuses.

I consider myself to be very correct and proper: an upright citizen.

It's impossible to speak what it is not noble to do.

We are men of action, lies do not become us.

Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life - all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop both honesty and integrity.

It is abhorrent to me when a fine intelligence is paired with an unsavory character.

I cannot tolerate immorality.

Personally, I have never considered myself corrupt or seen the need to be so. People are judged as what they are perceived to be.

I am what I am, but I'm not a thief. And I'm not scandalous.

There is no better proof of a man's being truly good than his desiring to be constantly under the observation of good men.

I thank God that I left office the same way I came in: with integrity.

Never in my life did I steal a penny that didn't belong to me.

A man has honor if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so.

I shall produce nothing that will offend the proprieties, whether applied to children or grownups. My pictures are turned out with clean hands and, therefore, with a clear conscience which, like virtue, is its own reward.

Characters with no integrity are just as interesting as characters with lots of integrity.