David O. McKay Quotes

A good man will not lie, although it be for his profit.

To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.

A good moral character is the first essential. It is highly important not only to be learned but to be virtuous.

Never suppose that in any possible situation or under any circumstances that it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing however slightly so it may appear to you... Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises, being assured that they will gain strength by exercise ... and that exercise will make them habitual.

What the statesman is most anxious to produce is a certain moral character in his fellow citizens, namely a disposition to virtue and the performance of virtuous actions.

The very spring and root of honesty and virtue lie in good education.

An honorable man or woman is one who is truthful; free from deceit; above cheating, lying, stealing, or any form of deception. An honorable man or woman is one who learns early that one cannot do wrong and feel right. A man's character is judged on how he keeps his word and his agreements.

It is not right or manly to lie even about Satan.

A man may be very sincere in good principles, without having good practice.

Integrity is the evidence of all civil virtues.

It is not in everyone's power to secure wealth, office, or honors; but everyone may be good, generous, and wise.

A man is not to aim at innocence, any more than he is to aim at hair, but he is to keep it.

If I have one wish which is greater than another, it is, if I had the power, to make men do right; to make them stop their swearing, their lying, their deceiving, to stop trying to injure the innocent, and begin to be honest and upright in all their dealings with one another and honor the name of the Deity.

To know what virtue is is not enough; we must endeavor to possess and to practice it, or in some other manner actually ourselves to become good.

The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be, all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.

If you don't have integrity, you have nothing. You can't buy it. You can have all the money in the world, but if you are not a moral and ethical person, you really have nothing.

If you do not know the laws of right conduct, you cannot form your character.

I'm actually a very moral guy.

Since belief determines behavior, doesn't it make sense that we should be teaching ethical, moral values in every home and in every school in America?

I've never lied. I think I've lived a moral life.

Honest hearts produce honest actions.

Honesty and integrity are absolutely essential for success in life - all areas of life. The really good news is that anyone can develop both honesty and integrity.

I think it is very important to build the moral fibre of the youth. Moral education should be part of the curriculum, and I will work towards introducing that.

Character must be kept bright as well as clean.

Republican government presupposes decent and admirable qualities among its citizens - so we should be serious about strengthening character and inculcating virtue.