James McBride Quotes

Either you look back and deal with your hypocrisy, or you dismiss it.

My intention throughout has been to write, to create literature, and to be able to look people in the eye after I'd done it - the people I'd written about.

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.

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

It would be morally reprehensible not to tell the truth... Everything I have written has stood the test of time.

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

It's essential to tell the truth at all times. This will reduce life's pain. Lying distorts reality. All forms of distorted thinking must be corrected.

You've got to demand the truth from yourself.

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?

A man should be upright, not be kept upright.

A clear conscience is a sure card.

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.

The worst of my actions or conditions seem not so ugly unto me as I find it both ugly and base not to dare to avouch for them.

It would be dangerous territory if I wasn't practising what I preach which is to always accept responsibility, always accept the consequences of your actions.

Hypocrites in the Church? Yes, and in the lodge and at the home. Don't hunt through the Church for a hypocrite. Go home and look in the mirror. Hypocrites? Yes. See that you make the number one less.

I'd rather lose my own money than someone else's.

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked and he has not been caught.

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.

If you have something that you don't want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn't be doing it in the first place.

The truth is, I've never fooled anyone. I've let men sometimes fool themselves.

My guiding principle is this: Guilt is never to be doubted.

For me, integrity is the consistency of words and actions. Part of the way that you do that is to ask people questions on some of the most difficult issues that you confront. 'Take me through where you felt you had to compromise your values.'

Looking back, I am ashamed that I have not always upheld the values that I profess and believe in.

Arguments of convenience lack integrity and inevitably trip you up.

If we do what we think is right, not try to point-score, people will begin to trust us.