Flannery O'Connor Quotes

I follow my father's philosphy; 'Do what is good, do what is right, and God will take care of the rest.'

Character is the starting point from which we go on. When I say a man has character, I mean that when you go to that man and say, 'What are the facts in this case?' he will tell you the truth, justly, truly, and wisely as he knows, with the minimum of exhibitionism and the maximum of devotion to the common cause.

Let us be true: this is the highest maxim of art and of life, the secret of eloquence and of virtue, and of all moral authority.

It seems to me that if God calls us to anything it's to a life of integrity.

It has been my honor to support and work with President Barack Obama, a man who has brought courage and character to the presidency. President Obama's strength of character leads him to do the right thing, even when it isn't the easy thing.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Real spiritual authority has to do with the truth of the actual words being spoken, and the spirit of the person behind the words. Really, authority is about truth: honest-living truth.

Wherever the invitation of men or your own occasions lead you, speak the very truth, as your life and conscience teach it, and cheer the waiting, fainting hearts of men with new hope and new revelation.

The truth sustains me.

By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man.

Integrity is the core of our character. Without integrity, we have a weak foundation upon which to build other Christlike characteristics.

Learn what is true in order to do what is right.

My relationship with God is what gives me a moral compass on what decisions to make and that stuff. I'm thankful that I have the people around me that I do, and they remind me each day of who I am and what I stand for.

The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.

Wisdom has its root in goodness, not goodness its root in wisdom.

Start with what is right rather than what is acceptable.

Teach a child what is wise, that is morality. Teach him what is wise and beautiful, that is religion!

To be a clergyman, and all that is compassionate and virtuous, ought to be the same thing.

Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.

Integrity is incredibly important to me. As long as you're authentic, you can do no wrong.

We know the truth, not only by the reason, but also by the heart.

There are a lot of smart people in politics and government, but character matters ... it is terribly important that the two be melded.

This above all,--to thine own self be true; and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.

Clinicians, academicians, and politicians are often put to a test of faith. In pursuit of their goals, will their religion show or will it be hidden? Are they tied back to God or to man?

Know what's important and what isn't. Have the wisdom to know the right thing to do, the integrity to do it, the character to stand up to those who don't, and the courage to stop those who won't.