The ultimate test of a man's conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.
Gaylord NelsonRead
Prefer punishment to disgraceful gain; for the one is painful but once, but the other for one's whole life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Choose integrity over temporary benefits, as dishonor lasts far longer than the pain of punishment.
This quote emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's integrity and honor, suggesting that the pain of punishment is momentary while the shame of gaining something dishonorably can haunt a person for a lifetime. It stresses that making ethical choices, even when difficult, is vital for a good life.
Themes
IntegrityHonorPunishmentGainWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a school assembly to encourage students to uphold their values.
Similar quotes
You will be wounded many times in your life. You'll make mistakes. Some people will call them failures but I have learned that failure is really God's way of saying, "Excuse me, you're moving in the wrong direction." It's just an experience, just an experience.
Oprah WinfreyRead
There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.
Saint AugustineRead
Money is congealed energy, and releasing it releases life's possibilities.
Joseph CampbellRead
Can I give them what they think they're going to get from me? That's always the big question.
Julie AndrewsRead
It is a good divine that follows his own instructions.
William ShakespeareRead