Henry Steele Commager Quotes

I reject the cynical view that politics is a dirty business.

The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.

The difference between a politician and a pickpocket is that a pickpocket doesn't always get indignant when you tell him to keep his hands to himself.

Business, that's easily defined - it's other people's money.

The Golden Rule finds no limit of application in business.

Business ethics has always had problems that are distinct from those of other professions, such as medicine, law, engineering, dentistry, or nursing.

Whatever we want to think about American business - work hard, tell the truth, have morality - it's a myth. There's a lot of graft.

The law does not pretend to punish everything that is dishonest. That would seriously interfere with business.

I believe fundamental honesty is the keystone of business.

You don't have to be a Christian to work at Chick-fil-A, but we ask you to base your business on biblical principles because they work.

Business should never be allowed to justify mean, thug ugly deals for any reason.

Politicians must set their aims for the high ground and according to our various leanings, Democratic, Republican, Independent, we will follow. Politicians must be told if they continue to sink into the mud of obscenity, they will proceed alone.

To be in this business and have tremendous integrity and only make distinguished choices is very tough.

The vast majority of politicians think they are functioning on high principle.

We mean to make little business big, and all business honest, instead of striving to make Big Business little, and yet letting it remain dishonest.

I don’t know why we expect perfection from our elected leaders.

Business rests squarely on the law of service. It has for its main reliance truth and faith and justice …. It is one of the greatest contributing forces to the moral and spiritual enhancement of the race.

They [Standard Oil] had never played fair, and that ruined their greatness for me … the open disregard of decent ethical business practices by capitalists.

Donations to political parties, candidates and elected officials should not be a means to gain personal or policy favours or buy access to politicians or civil servants…. Political parties, candidates and politicians should disclose assets, income and expenditure to an independent agency.

We cannot change our policy now. After all, we are not political whores.

Most of the people I came across in the finance and business world were honest people, doing the best for their staff and for their family. But I encountered many who weren't.

I think it's important for politicians to have moral qualities.

As Canadians who proudly demand the equal treatment of minorities, religious freedom, gender equality and basic human rights for its citizens - allowing our political leaders to shamefully ignore these values in the name of business abroad, falls short of the high standard we rightfully set for ourselves.

The voters of Colorado deserve honest, straight-talking elected officials.

The plodding thrift and scrupulous integrity and long-winded patient industry of our business men of the last century are out of fashion in these "giddy-paced" times, and England is forgetting that those who make haste to be rich can hardly avoid much temptation and some sin.