Deals Quote by Ken Follett
“We’re all good when it suits us, he used to say: that doesn’t count. It’s when you want so badly to do something wrong—when you’re about to make a fortune from a dishonest deal, or kiss the lovely lips of your neighbor’s wife, or tell a lie to get yourself out of terrible trouble—that’s when you need the rules. Your integrity is like a sword, he would say: you shouldn’t wave it until you’re about to put it to the test.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Pillars of the Earth, 1989
Rules become essential when tempted to act unethically; integrity should be reserved for moments of moral testing.
In simple terms: Integrity is a sword for tough choices.
Key Takeaway
Use rules as a moral compass in temptation.
Themes
integrity
ethics
temptation
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- legal dilemmas
- financial decisions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
self‑control
character testing
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust your judgment over strict rules?
- How do you balance flexibility with moral standards?
A Different Perspective
Rigid rules can stifle flexibility in honest situations.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
