Charles Colson Quotes

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

Every night I go over what I did in the day, in ethical or moral terms. Have I treated people properly? Did I tell the truth?

Whenever you do a thing, tho' it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you and act accordingly.

Would that the simple maxim, that honesty is the best policy, might be laid to heart; that a sense of the true aim of life might elevate the tone of politics and trade till public and private honor become identical.

I think you have an obligation to be honest.

I've always told the truth. I've often been wrong - but I've never knowingly lied. Not in public life. Because I don't see the need to.

While I have made errors that I deeply regret, I have never, ever done so with the intent of subverting the law or of benefiting myself.

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

I like to live righteous. And I just want everyone to know I'm not trying to get out of anything.

At least I'm going into the job with clean hands.

I am always prepared to do the right thing regardless of what other people think.

A conscientious man ought not to regard what may happen to him in this world.

We ought never to do wrong when anyone is looking.

I have huge respect for whistle-blowers, people who stand up against their bosses and losing their careers, just for truth and justice.

I have to be honest with myself, and make sure I am doing things the right way.

Action itself, so long as I am convinced that it is right action, gives me satisfaction.

Be fair in all your dealings, may it be in your family or in your business. At the end of it all, what matters is not how much money you make but how honest you are.

I never did anything dishonest.

Above all, I would teach him to tell the truth Truth-telling, I have found, is the key to responsible citizenship. The thousands of criminals I have seen in 40 years of law enforcement have had one thing in common: Every single one was a liar.

I could never be a career politician, because I believe in telling the truth.

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

A clear conscience is a sure card.

Both politicians and journalists face situations which strain their honesty and humanity. My opinion is that politicians on the average stand up somewhat better than journalists.

Anyone entrusted with power will abuse it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he be a prince, or one of the people.

It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance.