Elliot Richardson Quotes

The notion that public service requires men and women of good character now seems quaint.

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

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.

Good government is the outcome of private virtue.

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.

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

Integrity is the first step to true greatness. Men love to praise, but are slow to practice it. To maintain it in high places costs self-denial; in all places it is liable to opposition, but its end is glorious, and the universe will yet do it homage.

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

Virtue is the truest nobility.

I call God to witness that as a private person I have done nothing unbeseeming an honest man, nor, as I bear the place of a public man, have I done anything unworthy of my place.

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

No speech can stain what is noble by nature.

I do not like assassins, or men of low character.

Virtue looks good but it only suits imposing figures.

Integrity of life is fame's best friend, which nobly, beyond death, shall crown in the end.

I beg my Children to be just and virtuous, never to disgrace my name or theirs, and then they are out of fortune's power.

A man's virtue is best secured by shame, and best improved by emulation in the society of virtuous men.

He is not a … politician who would sacrifice his soul for office; he is not a member of Congress who would promise anything to win a second term. He represents all that is best in American manhood involving integrity of character, a sane mind, and the loftiest of motives.

By deciding to live our lives based on solid values and unwavering truth, we can leave a legacy for the young men and boys who want nothing more than to follow in our footsteps.

True honor is an outflow from a heart that fears God.

The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.

What is character? It is that quality of man which is going to make a man, in an hour of strain, do the just and, if possible, the generous thing.

Honor sinks where commerce long prevails.

Heroes are those who can somehow resist the power of the situation and act out of noble motives, or behave in ways that do not demean others when they easily can.

There is but one pride pardonable; that of being above doing a base or dishonorable action.