Anyplace we go in the world, when someone asks us what we do, we feel an immense pride in saying, 'FBI.'
For most of us, fidelity is faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. For the men and women of the FBI, fidelity also means fidelity to country. It means fidelity to justice and the law, fidelity to the Constitution, fidelity to equality and liberty.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fidelity involves loyalty not just to personal obligations but to a greater cause, such as justice and country.
In this quote, Robert Mueller emphasizes the deeper meaning of fidelity, particularly in the context of the FBI and law enforcement. He outlines that true fidelity goes beyond mere personal commitments; it encompasses a dedication to principles like justice, the Constitution, and the values that uphold equality and liberty. This understanding frames fidelity as a commitment not only to one's duties but to the foundational principles that govern society and country.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about ethics in law enforcement, this quote could be used to highlight the importance of dedication to justice.
More from Robert Mueller
All quotes →Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity set the expectations for behavior; they set a standard for our work. More than just a motto, for the men and women of the FBI, Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity is a way of life.
I would say in just about every investigation we have, there will be differences of opinion, where you have partial facts, as to what those facts mean.
People talk about the Patriot Act that was passed immediately in the wake of September 11. What the Patriot Act did was break down the walls between the various agencies.
For the men and women of the FBI, bravery is reflected not only in the physical courage often necessary in the job. It can be seen in the courage of conviction, in the courage to act with wisdom in the face of fear, and in the courage it takes to admit mistakes and move forward.
There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked, and those that will be. Even that is merging into one category: those that have been hacked and will be again.
Similar quotes
The one thing I was always told is you absolutely have to tell truth to power. Whether you're a second lieutenant working with a captain and a lieutenant colonel, or a four-star general working with the Office Secretary of Defense and the White House, the decision makers have got to have ground truth.
When times are tough and people are frustrated and angry and hurting and uncertain, the politics of constant conflict may be good. But what is good politics does not necessarily work in the real world. What works in the real world is cooperation.
A true leader is not the one with the most followers, but one who creates the most leaders.
Leaders must invoke an alchemy of great vision.
When team members openly and passionately share their opinions about a decision, they don't wonder whether anyone is holding back. Then, when the leader has to step in and make a decision because there is no easy consensus, team members will accept that decision because they know that their ideas were heard and considered.
Negro leaders sought to negotiate with the city fathers. But the political leaders consistently refused to engage in good-faith negotiation.