Being equal Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
“Even in the business of corporations honesty is the best policy, and the companies that have acted in accordance with the highest standard, other things being equal, have reaped the richest harvest.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture, 1880s
Honesty yields the greatest long‑term rewards for corporations when all else is equal.
In simple terms: Being honest brings the best results.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrity in business decisions.
Themes
integrity
business ethics
long‑term success
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- corporate strategy
- leadership training
- brand management
Key Concepts
trust
reputation
profitability
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies measure the ROI of ethical practices?
- What safeguards prevent ethical shortcuts?
A Different Perspective
Honesty may be costly short‑term and can be exploited by dishonest rivals.
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![“Do not Bodies act upon Light at a distance, and by their action bend its Rays; and is not this action (caeteris paribus) [all else being equal] strongest at the least distance?” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f9c/isaac-newton-1226_action_do-not-bodies-act-upon-light-at-a-distan_90238.jpg)
![“[T]here is a methodological bias in favor of taking natural discourse literally, other things being equal. For example, unless there are clear reasons for construing discourse as ambiguous, elliptical, or involving special idioms, we should not so construe it.” quote by Tyler Burge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2be/tyler-burge-109585_ambiguous_t-here-is-a-methodological-bias-in-favor_377917.jpg)
