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Honest Man Quotes

Sincerity tested against politics, comparison, and old contradiction.

These honest man quotes play with the phrase's contradictions, including the classic definition of an ambassador as an honest man sent abroad specifically to lie for his country. Another draws a sharp line by comparing a criminal to an honest man directly. See Integrity quotes for the trait these lines keep circling back to.

If anybody ever dares to compare Bob Dole to Clinton, then they're comparing a criminal to an honest man.

Quotes by Sonny Bono

An honest man is always a child.

Socrates

Women love an honest man.

Quotes by Rita Ora

An ambassador is an honest man sent abroad to lie and intrigue for the benefit of his country.

Quotes by Henry Wotton

Emotion Quotes

Necessity makes an honest man a knave.

Quotes by Daniel Defoe

Frequently Asked Questions

What idea connects these honest man quotes?
The tension between sincerity and the roles people are asked to play, including politics and diplomacy.
What does the ambassador quote mean?
It's a classic, ironic definition describing an ambassador as an honest man sent abroad specifically to lie and intrigue for his country's benefit.
Is there a quote comparing someone to a criminal?
Yes, one contrasts a criminal with an honest man directly, using the comparison to make a political point rather than a general statement.
Does any quote describe honesty as childlike?
Yes, one claims an honest man is always a child, suggesting honesty carries a kind of innocence that never fully goes away.
Is there a quote connecting honesty to romantic appeal?
Yes, one simply states that women love an honest man, framing honesty as attractive rather than just admirable. See Integrity quotes for related material.

For more on how such honesty is judged by others, browse Identity quotes, and for the backbone it takes to keep it, see Strength quotes.