Lost wealth may be replaced by industry, lost knowledge by study, lost health by temperance or medicine, but lost time is gone forever.
Samuel SmilesRead
It is possible that the scrupulously honest man may not grow rich so fast as the unscrupulous and dishonest one; but the success will be of a truer kind, earned without fraud or injustice. And even though a man should for a time be unsuccessful, still he must be honest: better lose all and save character. For character is itself a fortune. . . .
Interpretation
What this quote means
True success is achieved through honesty, even if it comes slower than dishonest gains.
This quote emphasizes the importance of integrity over financial gain. It suggests that a person's character and honesty are more valuable than immediate success, as true prosperity should be built on ethical foundations, even if it takes longer to achieve. In the end, maintaining one's integrity is worth more than any wealth acquired through dishonest means, as character defines one's true fortune.
Themes
HonestyCharacterSuccessIntegrityWealth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about business ethics.
More from Samuel Smiles
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The career of a great man remains an enduring monument of human energy. The man dies and disappears, but his thoughts and acts survive and leave an indelible stamp upon his race.
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Wisdom and understanding can only become the possession of individual men by travelling the old road of observation, attention, perseverance, and industry.
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An intense anticipation itself transforms possibility into reality; our desires being often but precursors of the things which we are capable of performing.
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If we opened our minds to enjoyment, we might find tranquil pleasures spread about us on every side. We might live with the angels that visit us on every sunbeam, and sit with the fairies who wait on every flower.
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