Benjamin Franklin Quotes

For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.

Very few reputations are gained by unsullied virtue.

The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now. They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty.

A man may be very sincere in good principles, without having good practice.

Honour is purchased by the deeds we do.

Experience shows us Wealth unchaperoned by Virtue is never an innocuous neighbor.

Like all virtuous people he imagines he must speak the truth.

Honesty is nothin' compared to decency.

Nothing of character is really permanent but virtue and personal worth.

Be thou good thyself, and let people speak evil of thee; it is better than to be wicked, and that they should consider thee as good.

No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.

Freedom is for honest people. No man who is not himself honest can be free – he is his own trap.

Void of freedom, what would virtue be?

When men are pure, laws are useless; when men are corrupt, laws are broken.

Virtue is not a thing you can have by halves; it is or it is not.

You have to have wisdom and knowledge as well as virtue to preserve your rights and liberties.

With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. With fear and guilt removed you are free to be and do your best.

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

The just man walks in his integrity

Moral character has now some influence in our elections, but not that place which it deserves. The law of public opinion excludes confirmed sots, and persons judicially convicted of high crimes and misdemeanors against the State; but it ought to render the election of all profane swearers, notorious Sabbath breakers, seducers, slanderers, prodigals and riotous persons, as well as the advocates of dueling, impracticable.

In today's society, looking good and feeling good often trumps doing good and being good. And some people don't know the difference anymore.

Virtue is necessary to a republic.

I will not steep my speech in lies; the test of any man lies in action.

Excellence or virtue in a man will be the disposition which renders him a good man and also which will cause him to perform his function well.