Competence Quote by Orison Swett Marden
“To many a man, and sometimes to a youth, there comes the opportunity to choose between honorable competence and tainted wealth. The young man who starts out to be poor and honorable, holds in his hand one of the strongest elements of success.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Pushing to Success" by Orison Swett Marden, 1905
Choosing integrity over easy riches builds lasting strength; early humility can become a powerful foundation for achievement.
In simple terms: Integrity beats easy money; early humility fuels success.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize honor over quick wealth.
Themes
integrity
success
humility
choices
Mood
reflective
determined
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career start
- entrepreneurship
- personal finance
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
ethical decision‑making
long‑term growth
character development
Questions to Reflect On
- What values guide your financial decisions?
- How can you maintain humility while pursuing ambition?
A Different Perspective
Wealth can also be earned ethically, so the binary may oversimplify reality.
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