Ted Koppel Quotes

As you grow up, always tell the truth, do no harm to others, and don't think you are the most important being on earth. Rich or poor, you then can look anyone in the eye and say, 'I'm probably no better than you, but I'm certainly your equal.

Honesty is nothin' compared to decency.

Respect for right conduct is felt by every body.

Men are more accountable for their motives, than for anything else; and primarily, morality consists in the motives, that is in the affections.

Decency is the least of all laws, but yet it is the law which is most strictly observed.

"On my honor" - what an ennobling phrase! Three short words, nine letters, but the summation of all we call character. From the Boy Scout's Oath.

Do not consider anything for your interest which makes you break your word, quit your modesty or inclines you to any practice which will not bear the light or look the world in the face.

Without integrity and conscience we lose our freedom.

Liberty is the parent of truth, but truth and decency are sometimes at variance. All men and all propositions are to be treated here as they deserve, and there are many who have no claim either to respect or decency.

The true gentleman does not preach what he practices till he has practiced what he preaches.

I would hope that we can load our moral computers with three elements of integrity: 1. Dealing justly with oneself. 2. Dealing justly with others. 3. Recognizing the law of the harvest.

Ethics, decency and morality are the real soldiers

Self-respect and a clear conscience are powerful components of integrity and are the basis for enriching your relationships with others.

Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains rather than do an immoral act. And never suppose that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing, however slightly so it may appear to you.

When you choose wrong because it suits you right now, the message you give others is that when it suits you, you may likely do wrong again. You become a threat and liability to others. That's a pragmatic reason, outside of pride in morality, not to do wrong.

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

Do right. Do your best. Treat others as you want to be treated.

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

Liberty without virtue would be no blessing to us.

Moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect.

If only for the sake of elegance, I try to remain morally pure.

Once you get rid of integrity the rest is a piece of cake.

Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.

Those who fight corruption should be clean themselves.