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About this quote

What does it mean?
Honesty is the best policy when there is money in it.
In plain terms
People are honest only if it’s profitable.
What can you take from it?
Integrity often depends on financial incentive.

Where it applies

  • business negotiations
  • political statements

Putting it to work

  • aligning profit with transparency
  • creating incentives for truthful behavior

Questions to consider

  • What drives honesty beyond money?
  • Can profit‑free honesty be sustained?

Another view

It ignores those who act honestly without profit.

More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens

  1. also given as: Heaven for climate, Hell for companionship.

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  2. The Blessings-of-Civilization Trust, wisely and cautiously administered, is a Daisy. There is more money in it, more territory, more sovereignty, and other kin…

    Permalink to quote #39
  3. ...[H]eaven for climate, Hell for society.

    Permalink to quote #36

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