James A. Garfield Quotes

Conscience is the frame of character, and love is the covering for it.

Never," said my aunt, "be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel. Avoid those three vices, Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.

Most people are not good people. In business, in art, in almost every 'world' I've been in, most people I've meet are pretty gray to black. It takes practice to be the person who is a source of compassion and honesty.

Being a good person and fair person is very important in life, I think.

With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt.

I prefer to be a good human being rather than a good character on screen.

I think I'm a decent person.

The virtue involved in helping those one loves is not 'selflessness' or 'sacrifice,' but integrity.

Who fears not to do ill fears the name, And free from conscience, is a slave to fame.

Do good to another man, even when they do not do you good; another will certainly do you good. if there is still shame and fear in one's heart to do good, there will certainly be no progress at all.

The moment we begin tolerating meanness, in ourselves and others, we are using our authorial power in the service of wrongdoing. We have both the capacity and the obligation to do better.

Behaving morally because of a hope of reward or a fear of punishment is not morality. Morality is not bribery or threats. Religion is bribery and threats. Humans have morality. We don't need religion.

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

The true grandeur of humanity is in moral elevation, sustained, enlightened and decorated by the intellect of man.

The true measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be caught.

I was walking down fifth avenue today and I found a wallet, and I was gonna keep it, rather than return it, but I thought: well, if I lost a hundred and fifty dollars, how would I feel? And I realized I would want to be taught a lesson.

Being good is just a matter of temperament in the end.

People confuse goodness with weakness. It is weak people, not good people (goodness demands strength), who are taken advantage of.

I follow three rules: Do the right thing, do the best you can, and always show people you care.

Try to find the path of least resistance and use it without harming others. Live with integrity and morality, not only with people but with all beings.

I've worked with people and I've known people that were really competitive, but I've always said that I take an Elizabeth Bennett philosophy of life - I laugh. I love my job, but if it means hurting someone, I won't do it.

For me, the only sources of moral values are the pursuit of understanding and the pursuit of happiness.

I feel it's in people's nature to want to stop evil and embrace the good.

No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand.

Everything I do has a moral to it.