Stephen Covey Quotes

Studying my grandfather's life and legacy has shown me what it takes to be a good public servant. Curiosity. Compassion for others. Humility. Determination to stand tall for your beliefs in the face of opposition. No one believed these things more than my grandfather.

Above all, beware of compromises. I do not mean that you are to get into antagonism with anybody, but you have to hold on to your own principles in weal or woe and never adjust them to others "fads" thought the greed of getting supporters.

I can tell you character traits I admire and work to develop in myself - perseverance, self-discipline, courage to stand up for what is right even when it is against one's friends or one's self.

I always say be humble but be firm. Humility and openness are the key to success without compromising your beliefs.

He who refuses to stoop, who cannot be bribed by the promise of success or the fear of failure - who walks the highway of the right, and in disaster stands erect, is the only victor.

There is a value in taking a stand whether or not anybody may be noticing it and whether or not it is a risky thing to do.

I urge you to hold fast to your standards. I plead with you not to waver.

I don't know any other way to live but to wake up every day armed with my convictions, not yielding them to the threat of danger and to the power and force of people who might despise me.

I want to be remembered as somebody working hard, walking straight in life, most of the time, and just being a down-to-earth person, being loyal and being indestructible.

Of course, we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval.

I do not regret having braved public opinion, when I knew it was wrong and was sure it would be merciless.

Real integrity means an answer. It doesn't just mean - it doesn't mean riding the anger. And this is very difficult to do.

Being a hero doesn’t mean you’re invincible. It just means that you’re brave enough to stand up and do what’s needed.

Unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.

Character is that which can do without success.

Do well and right and let the world sink.

You have to stand for what you believe in and sometimes you have to stand alone.

Poem by Howard A. Walter (Character) I would be true, for there are those who trust me; I would be pure, for there are those who care; I would be strong, for there are those who suffer; I would be brave, for there is much to dare. I would be friend of all--- the foe, the friendless; I would be giving, and forget the gift; I would be humble, for I know my weakness; I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.

Every time you make the right choice in the face of potential criticism you build strength that makes choosing the right easier the next time. When you make it clear that you will not vary from your standards, you will be led to individuals like yourself and the criticism from others will become less intense.

Tell the truth boldly, whether it hurts or not. Never pander to weakness. If truth is too much for intelligent people and sweeps them away, let them go; the sooner the better.

I have always been of the opinion that unpopularity earned by doing what is right is not unpopularity at all, but glory.

Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.

Do the right thing even if it means dying like a dog when no one's there to see you do it.

You should never be proud of doing the right thing. You should just do it.

After each creative act one has to be sustained by one's strength of character, by a moral sense, by I don't know what, lest one tumble.