Whenever you are tempted to trade your integrity for something, whether it be money, advancement, advantage, power, or fame, remember three things:
One, you will be shortchanged, as the value of an intangible is almost always greater than the value of a tangible.
Two, your opinion of yourself will be diminished, regardless of whether or not others discover your choice.
Three, you may never be able to ‘get a refund’ and regain what you have sacrificed, whether it be in terms of character–what you know about yourself–or reputation–what others know about you.
Review the lives of the great and the good: many men and women are noted in history for a single brave or foolish choice they made, most often in a difficult or impossible situation.
Consider carefully what you will mortgage for short term gain. Consider carefully the value of what you already possess.
Choose wisely.
- Byron Tully