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A man of true honor protects the unwritten word which…

“A man of true honor protects the unwritten word which binds his conscience more scrupulously, if possible, than he does the bond a breach of which subjects him to legal liabilities, and the United States, in aiming to maintain itself as one of the most enlightened nations, would do its citizens…” quote by Grover Cleveland
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“A man of true honor protects the unwritten word which binds his conscience more scrupulously, if possible, than he does the bond a breach of which subjects him to legal liabilities, and the United States, in aiming to maintain itself as one of the most enlightened nations, would do its citizens gross injustice if it applied to its international relations any other than a high standard of honor and morality.”

Grover Cleveland

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Honor demands protecting moral principles even when legal consequences are absent.

In simple terms: Honor means upholding conscience over law.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize integrity.

Themes

honor morality conscience law citizenship national identity

Mood

serious reflective

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • political decision making
  • international diplomacy
  • personal dilemmas

Key Concepts

ethics political philosophy social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance honor with practicality?
  • Can honor be compromised for greater good?
A Different Perspective

High moral standards may conflict with pragmatic interests.

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