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Being honest Quote by Brigham Young

“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…” quote by Brigham Young
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“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.”

Brigham Young

About This Quote

Source Speech: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1865

A desire for power to enforce morality, demanding honesty and protection of the innocent.

In simple terms: Wanting power to force people to be honest and protect the innocent.

Key Takeaway

Seek influence through persuasion, not coercion.

Themes

morality justice leadership

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • community leadership
  • legal reform
  • faith teaching

Key Concepts

ethics authority social order

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we encourage honesty without imposing force?
  • What role does personal conscience play in moral behavior?
A Different Perspective

Power alone cannot guarantee genuine virtue; coercion may breed resentment.

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