--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain…" description: "\"Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty high, but the ultimate cost of moral compromise is so much higher.\" — Michael Josephson" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/58e/michael-josephson-2363_compromise_sometimes-the-dues-we-pay-to-maintain-in_2534947.png" --- # Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty… ![“Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty high, but the ultimate cost of moral compromise is so much higher.” quote by Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/58e/michael-josephson-2363_compromise_sometimes-the-dues-we-pay-to-maintain-in_2534947.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/58e/michael-josephson-2363_compromise_sometimes-the-dues-we-pay-to-maintain-in_2534947.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/58e/michael-josephson-2363_compromise_sometimes-the-dues-we-pay-to-maintain-in_2534947.png) > “Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty high, but the ultimate cost of moral compromise is so much higher.” [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Upholding integrity demands effort, but compromising morals leads to far greater personal and societal costs. **In simple terms:** Integrity is costly, but moral compromise is costlier. Key Takeaway Choose integrity over easy shortcuts. Themes ethics integrity consequences Mood reflective serious Type moral philosophical When to use this quote - business decisions - personal relationships - leadership - public policy Key Concepts moral philosophy personal responsibility Questions to Reflect On - What are the hidden costs of compromising integrity? - How can we support ethical choices? A Different Perspective High integrity costs can be unsustainable without support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Compromise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compromise/) [Integrity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/integrity/) [Moral](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/moral/) ## Related quotes > [Many seducers clutter the simple message of the gospel with legalistic additions, with convoluted attempts to legitimize moral compromise, and with psychological theories that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-r-swindoll/many-seducers-clutter-the-simple-message-of-the-gospel-with/) [Charles R. Swindoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-r-swindoll/) > [As Minister for the Cabinet Office, working to maintain the integrity of our Union has been one of my most rewarding responsibilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-lidington/as-minister-for-the-cabinet-office-working-to-maintain-the-integrity/) [David Lidington](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-lidington/) > [If you can maintain that integrity in whatever you do, you can't go wrong. That's what I tell my kids, anyway.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-foreman/if-you-can-maintain-that-integrity-in-whatever-you-do-you-can-t-go-2/) [George Foreman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-foreman/) > [When you're actually making the film, you're constantly battling to maintain its integrity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ted-kotcheff/when-you-re-actually-making-the-film-you-re-constantly-battling-to/) [Ted Kotcheff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ted-kotcheff/) > [Let your words gives wings to your action.Your action is your identity.Your identity is your integrity,Maintain your integrity through it all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/let-your-words-gives-wings-to-your-action-your-action-is-your/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [We have so little control as actors, but there are ways you can maintain your integrity. I have to say I've never compromised myself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sian-clifford/we-have-so-little-control-as-actors-but-there-are-ways-you-can/) [Sian Clifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sian-clifford/) > [Confounding people's expectations was a way to maintain integrity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lindsey-buckingham/confounding-people-s-expectations-was-a-way-to-maintain-integrity/) [Lindsey Buckingham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lindsey-buckingham/) > [You have to maintain integrity at all times during your life.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-hanburger/you-have-to-maintain-integrity-at-all-times-during-your-life/) Chris Hanburger > [“Maintain your integrity! Live life in such a way that when another person tells his or her truth, you'll not be committed for blame.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/maintain-your-integrity-live-life-in-such-a-way-that-when-another/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [We tried to get together multiple times to make an album, but there were certain rules set in place that made it difficult to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-dolmayan/we-tried-to-get-together-multiple-times-to-make-an-album-but-there/) [John Dolmayan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dolmayan/) > [We must maintain the integrity of the White House, and that integrity must be real, not transparent. There can be no whitewash at the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-m-nixon/we-must-maintain-the-integrity-of-the-white-house-and-that-integrity/) [Richard M. Nixon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-m-nixon/) > [Dont let hate or displeasure of other robs you of your peace.If people disrespect you or treat you bad keep yourself cool & maintain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dranil-kr-sinha/dont-let-hate-or-displeasure-of-other-robs-you-of-your-peace-if/) [DrAnil Kr Sinha](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dranil-kr-sinha/) > [If you can maintain that integrity in whatever you do, you can't go wrong.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-foreman/if-you-can-maintain-that-integrity-in-whatever-you-do-you-can-t-go/) [George Foreman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-foreman/) > [The battle of being mortal is the battle to maintain the integrity of one’s life,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/atul-gawande/the-battle-of-being-mortal-is-the-battle-to-maintain-the-integrity-of/) [Atul Gawande](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/atul-gawande/) > [We want to promote the great quality of athletics - and maintain it's integrity - all over the world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alberto-juantorena/we-want-to-promote-the-great-quality-of-athletics-and-maintain-it-s/) [Alberto Juantorena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alberto-juantorena/) ## More by Michael Josephson > [No one is born with good character; it's not a hereditary trait. And it isn't determined by a single noble act. Character is established…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/no-one-is-born-with-good-character-it-s-not-a-hereditary-trait-and-it/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [America is a song that sounds the best when we all sing together - at least for a while.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/america-is-a-song-that-sounds-the-best-when-we-all-sing-together-at/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/approach-the-new-year-with-resolve-to-find-the-opportunities-hidden/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [The difference between stepping stones and stumbling blocks is not in the event itself but how you think about it and what you do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/the-difference-between-stepping-stones-and-stumbling-blocks-is-not-in/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Pretty isn't beauty. Pretty is how you look; Beauty is who you are. Pretty is in the face and body; Beauty is in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/pretty-isn-t-beauty-pretty-is-how-you-look-beauty-is-who-you-are/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Sportsmanship is the ethical and moral dimension of sports. It is demonstrated by a number of attributes and attitudes such as fair play, respect…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/sportsmanship-is-the-ethical-and-moral-dimension-of-sports-it-is/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Surround our children with a message of honor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/surround-our-children-with-a-message-of-honor/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [The key to success is effort. The bigger the goal, the greater the effort.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/the-key-to-success-is-effort-the-bigger-the-goal-the-greater-the/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [“We can't live forever but what we do can change lives forever.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/we-can-t-live-forever-but-what-we-do-can-change-lives-forever/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/take-pride-in-how-far-you-ve-come-have-faith-in-how-far-you-can-go/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Leadership is not a matter of authority, it is a matter of influence. A true leader teaches others to understand more, motivates them to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/leadership-is-not-a-matter-of-authority-it-is-a-matter-of-influence-a/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [People who don't believe in you are right only if you believe they are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/people-who-don-t-believe-in-you-are-right-only-if-you-believe-they-are/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [There is within you, waiting to be called, a great source of power called courage. Call its name and it will give you the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/there-is-within-you-waiting-to-be-called-a-great-source-of-power/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [No word makes me happier than the word "daddy" when it's directed to me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/no-word-makes-me-happier-than-the-word-daddy-when-it-s-directed-to-me/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) > [Ethics is not for wimps. It's not easy being a good person. That's why it's such a lofty goal and an admirable achievement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-josephson/ethics-is-not-for-wimps-it-s-not-easy-being-a-good-person-that-s-why/) [Michael Josephson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) [Explore all 170 Michael Josephson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-josephson/) ## More Compromise quotes > [Leaders need to compromise, negotiate with members of both parties and ideologies, and reform health care the right way - by developing a strong…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-boustany/leaders-need-to-compromise-negotiate-with-members-of-both-parties-and/) [Charles Boustany](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-boustany/) > [A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ludwig-erhard/a-compromise-is-the-art-of-dividing-a-cake-in-such-a-way-that/) Ludwig Erhard > [Real love is not based upon romance,candle light,dinner and walk along beach.Infact,It's based on care,compromise,respect and trust..](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/real-love-is-not-based-upon-romance-candle-light-dinner-and-walk/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Simple answers, reductionist politics, are the most prone to compromise, to saying we’re addressing the essential issue and all that other stuff can slide.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dorothy-allison/simple-answers-reductionist-politics-are-the-most-prone-to-compromise/) [Dorothy Allison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dorothy-allison/) > [“I’m not sure sex qualifies as R and R, but it’s a compromise I can live with.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/shelby-morgen/i-m-not-sure-sex-qualifies-as-r-and-r-but-it-s-a-compromise-i-can/) Shelby Morgen > [You know what the Englishman's idea of compromise is? He says, Some people say there is a God. Some people say there is no…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-butler-yeats/you-know-what-the-englishman-s-idea-of-compromise-is-he-says-some/) [William Butler Yeats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-butler-yeats/) > [But if you get chronically, psychosocially stressed, you're going to compromise your health. So, essentially, we've evolved to be smart enough to make ourselves…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-m-sapolsky/but-if-you-get-chronically-psychosocially-stressed-you-re-going-to/) [Robert M. Sapolsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-m-sapolsky/) > [The human spirit will not invest itself in a compromise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-fritz/the-human-spirit-will-not-invest-itself-in-a-compromise/) [Robert Fritz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-fritz/) > [No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/no-relationship-is-perfect-ever-there-are-always-some-ways-you-have/) [Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/) > [“And what would you like, Sharie?" asked Miss Mush. "What do you have?" asked Sharie. "Potato salad". "What else is there?" asked Sharie. "Nothing"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louis-sachar/and-what-would-you-like-sharie-asked-miss-mush-what-do-you-have-asked/) [Louis Sachar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louis-sachar/) > [A lasting relationship consists of the 3 C's: Commitment. Communication. Compromise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nishan-panwar/a-lasting-relationship-consists-of-the-3-c-s-commitment-communication/) [Nishan Panwar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nishan-panwar/) > [As a politician - particularly as a politician in a coalition - you quickly realise that compromise is a part of the game. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-davey/as-a-politician-particularly-as-a-politician-in-a-coalition-you/) [Edward Davey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-davey/) > [“The fact that I can get away with something is the very reason why I shouldn’t do it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-d-lounsbrough/the-fact-that-i-can-get-away-with-something-is-the-very-reason-why-i/) [Craig D. Lounsbrough](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-d-lounsbrough/) > [There could be some compromise, but I think we have to stick to the provisions of the treaty, and the provisions of the treaty…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacques-santer/there-could-be-some-compromise-but-i-think-we-have-to-stick-to-the/) [Jacques Santer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacques-santer/) > [Love is not only about romance, candle-lit dinners and walking hand in hand. 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