--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have a higher and grander standard of…" description: "\"I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't.\" — Mark Twain" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/681/mark-twain-22_george-w_i-have-a-higher-and-grander-standard-of_1193796.png" --- # I have a higher and grander standard of principle than… ![“I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't.” quote by Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/681/mark-twain-22_george-w_i-have-a-higher-and-grander-standard-of_1193796.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/681/mark-twain-22_george-w_i-have-a-higher-and-grander-standard-of_1193796.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/681/mark-twain-22_george-w_i-have-a-higher-and-grander-standard-of_1193796.png) > “I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't.” [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker claims a higher moral standard than Washington, admitting the capacity to lie but choosing honesty. **In simple terms:** Higher moral standards mean choosing honesty despite ability to lie. Key Takeaway Commit to truth even when lying is easier. Themes ethics honesty integrity Mood reflective serious Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - political discourse - personal decision making - public speaking Key Concepts moral philosophy personal standards historical comparison Questions to Reflect On - What standards guide your honesty? - Is it possible to be more moral than historical figures? A Different Perspective Admitting the ability to lie may undermine credibility. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [George w](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/george-w/) [George washington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/george-washington/) [Higher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher/) [Higher Grander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/higher-grander-3553067/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Motivational](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/motivational/) [Principle George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principle-george-3553065/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Standards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/standards/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) [Washington Lie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/washington-lie-3553066/) ## Related quotes > [“Distinctively gentle he was, and trustworthy, and of special courtesy. 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