Thomas Deacon Quotes

It is better to use fair means and fail, than foul and conquer.

A good man with a good conscience doesn't walk so fast.

Throughout my life, I have always tried to do what is right.

I learned one thing in Watergate: I was well-intentioned but rationalized illegal behavior. You cannot live your life other than walking in the truth. Your means are as important as your ends.

Defending the truth is not something one does out of a sense of duty or to allay guilt complexes, but is a reward in itself.

While I was thus carrying out my obligations, I never did anything with which my conscience would have to find fault

I myself have constantly refused to print anything that might countenance vice or promote immorality, though … I might have gotten much money.

I can only focus on doing what's right.

I try to act as a man of character if no one is watching or if the world is watching.

To have done no man a wrong...to walk and live, unseduced, within arm's length of what is not your own, with nothing between your desire and its gratification but the invisible law of rectitude-this is to be a man.

I'm not saying you did the wrong thing. I'm not even saying it wasn't something I'd thought of doing, myself. But even if it was the just thing to do, or the fitting thing, it still wasn't the right thing.

I have to do what's right.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

A task becomes a duty from the moment you suspect it to be an essential part of that integrity which alone entitles a man to assume responsibility.

Liberty without virtue would be no blessing to us.

Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world.

Morality is a test of our conformity rather than our integrity.

The imperative is to define what is right and do it.

Integrity is the core of our character. Without integrity, we have a weak foundation upon which to build other Christlike characteristics.

True freedom is where an individual's thoughts and actions are in alignment with that which is true, correct, and of honor - no matter the personal price.

Only when the voice of duty is silent, or when it has already spoken, may we allowably think of the consequences of a particular action.

My future is righteousness.

The right thing to do never requires any subterfuge, it is always simple and direct.

We need to have a purpose in this life. I'm pleading with you, I'm begging with you to do the right thing. And do it not for the sake of how it will impact your own lives, but only for the sake of doing the right thing.