Keith O'Brien Quotes

At the end the day because I believe so strongly in leadership, what I look for first, what I try to assess, is integrity.

Because power corrupts, society's demands for moral authority and character increase as the importance of the position increases.

Of front-line importance among the most contagious and enduring traits of the leaders of nations and of all callings is that of spotless character.

It is imperative to build a contingent of public servants who are politically reliable, professionally competent, and clean and honest, and have a good work style.

In public politics as in private life, character is better than brains, and loyalty more valuable than either.

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?

That statesman is indeed happy who can count as his friends the really honest and consistent, the true Patriots, and the men of honorable thought.

I think character is real important. And you know, and I think the public does.

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.

Plato said that virtue has no master. If a person does not honor this principle and rejoice in it, but is purchasable for money, he creates many masters for himself.

He was a crystal of morality among our scientists.

As a governor and senator, John Chafee set the standard for honesty and decency that the rest of us on our best days could only dream to emulate.

You can't have integrity for breakfast, but try and keep it because it is perhaps the single most important word that defines not just writers but all human beings.

At the end of the day, I'm not some evil guy.

Certainly he [Richard M. Nixon] is not of the generation that regards honesty as the best policy.

My creed is that public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people and to the nation with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration, that constructive criticism is not only to be expected but sought, that smears are not only to be expected but fought, that honor is to be earned but not bought.

An honest man in politics shines more there than he would elsewhere.

He is not a … politician who would sacrifice his soul for office; he is not a member of Congress who would promise anything to win a second term. He represents all that is best in American manhood involving integrity of character, a sane mind, and the loftiest of motives.

I look for officers who are strong in character – we can teach the skills necessary to do the job but it’s more challenging to find those who are there for the right reasons.

He is good and wise who always speaks the truth, acts on the dictates of virtue, and tries to make others good and happy.

Integrity, a firm adherence to the highest moral and ethical standards, is essential to the life of a true Latter-day Saint.

When you are in politics, and you are a genuine person who genuinely cares, then everything comes second.

At the end of the day, you are judged by your character. And look, I'm proud of my record of working to help people throughout my years of public service.

Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.

Integrity is what you do when no one is watching; its doing the right thing all the time, even when it may work to your disadvantage.