Barnum declares integrity more precious than diamonds or rubies because it is the foundation of all financial and personal success. He argues that no person can be dishonest without eventually being discovered, and discovery closes nearly every path to success forever. Conversely, a person known to be strictly honest—even if poor—has access to community resources because everyone knows his promises to repay are reliable. Integrity provides better credit access than Wealth and enables peaceful enjoyment of success.
Referenced by
- Choose a vocation suited to aptitude and excel
- Commerce is civilization’s foundation
- Dishonesty inevitably discovered destroys opportunity
- Excellence in one’s field cannot fail to succeed
- Honest dealing, genuine advertising, and charitable reputation compound into lasting commercial trust
- Honesty enables community credit access
- Integrity is more valuable than wealth
- Integrity is the foundation of all success
- Integrity is the indispensable foundation of lasting prosperity
- Wealth is built by disciplined character operating through sound business practices, not by luck or shortcuts
- Wealth pursuit requires accepting responsibility
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