The only thing in the world worth a damn is the strange, touching, pathetic, awesome nobility of the individual human spirit.
John D. MacdonaldRead
Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather.
Interpretation
Integrity is unwavering and should not be influenced by external circumstances.
This quote emphasizes that integrity is a fundamental quality that remains constant regardless of changing situations or pressures. It highlights the importance of being true to one's principles and values, which do not fluctuate like changing weather but are steadfast and reliable.
In practice
In a motivational speech about personal values, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of integrity.
The only thing in the world worth a damn is the strange, touching, pathetic, awesome nobility of the individual human spirit.
At times it seems as if arranging to have no commitment of any kind to anyone would be a special freedom. But in fact the whole idea works in reverse. The most deadly commitment of all is to be committed only to one's self. Some come to realize this after they are in the nursing home.
If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount.
Power is not revealed by striking hard or often, but by striking true.
The more tranquil a man becomes, the greater is his success, his influence, his power for good. Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
A person who is wise does nothing against their will, nothing with sighing or under coercion.
...so much attention is paid to the aggressive sins, such as violence and cruelty, and greed with all their tragic effects, that too little attention is paid to the passive sins, such as apathy and laziness, which in the long run can have a more devastating and destructive effect upon society than the others.
After eighty, there are no enemies, only survivors.
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