Great trusts may be sought by scoundrels, but great trusts never seek them. Perfect integrity is at a premium even among scoundrels. There are some trusts that they will never confer on each other. There are occasions where they need the services of true men. They do not find them in shoals and in the mud, but alone and in pure water.
Integrity is the foundation of all that is high in character among mankind.
Other qualities may add to its splendor, but if this essential requisite be wanting, all their luster fades. Our integrity is never worth so much to us as when we have lost everything to keep it. Integrity without knowledge is weak. Knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful. Integrity, however rough is better than smooth dissimulation.