Integrity is the foundation of one's character. As Lu Xun stated, honesty is the root of being a good person. Ikeda Daisaku also noted that credit in one's work is the best wealth; young people without accumulated credit are bound to fail. Gorky emphasized that following a path of uprightness and honesty will surely lead to a clear conscience.
In interpersonal relationships, sincerity removes all obstacles, while a lack of trust makes every step difficult. Franklin warned that telling half the truth is often a great lie; one may recover quickly from a stumble, but a broken promise is perhaps irreparable. Roosevelt believed that keeping one's word is more important than being famous. Gorky also pointed out that Honesty is the most beautiful quality in life.
A word, once spoken, cannot be taken back by four horses. In 'Perpetual Peace', Kant argued that honesty is better than all wisdom and is the basic condition for wisdom. Sincerity connects the nation, and trust reaches the world. La Rochefoucauld considered sincerity an opening of the soul. Mark Twain stated that frankness is the product of honesty and courage. Similarly, La Rochefoucauld noted that integrity is an opening of the soul.
Lee Ka-shing taught us that we must treat others with sincerity so that they will reciprocate with honesty. The 'Analerta' advocates 'speak with loyalty and trustworthiness, act with earnestness and reverence,' and notes that 'in dealing with friends, one should keep one's word.' Mozi once said, 'If one's words are not trusted, one's actions will not be fruitful.' Without honesty, where does dignity come from? Franklin concluded that candor is the wisest strategy.