1. A Life Based upon Principle

World Scripture

He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
Proverbs 10.9

When one follows unswervingly the path of virtue it is not to win advancement. When one invariably keeps one’s word it is not to establish the rectitude of one’s actions. A gentleman merely follows the norm and awaits his destiny.
Mencius VII.B.33 (Confucianism)

Virtue is the root; wealth is the result. If he makes the root his secondary object, and the result his primary, he will only wrangle with his people, and teach them rapine.
Great Learning 10.7-8 (Confucianism)

Not to be cheered by praise, Not to be grieved by blame, But to know thoroughly one’s own virtues and powers Are characteristics of an excellent man.
Precious Treasury of Elegant Sayings 29 (Buddhism)

If one’s mind is sorrowless, stainless and secure, and is not disturbed when affected by worldly vicissitudes, this is the highest blessing.
Sutta Nipata 268 (Buddhism)

Without goodness a man “cannot for long endure adversity; cannot for long endure prosperity.” The good man rests content with goodness; he that is merely wise pursues goodness in the belief that it pays to do so.
Analects 4.2 (Confucianism)

Make [virtue] your first object. Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give up the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act.

And never suppose that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing.

Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly.
Thomas Jefferson

To gain a good reputation, be the kind of person that you want people to think you are.
Socrates (Hellenism)

Teachings of Sun Myung Moon

When we call someone a person of character, we are not referring to appearance, education,⁸ career or position. We look not at class or outward glory, but to what extent he or she is leading a principled life. A person with an unchanging mind to serve Heaven, who lives according to God’s will with such a mind—that is a person of character.
(19:285, March 10, 1968)

Does human character have bones? Have you ever seen the bone of character? Personality is what appears outwardly. That is the visible aspect; however, there is a hidden, bone-like foundation of character that is responsible for the visible aspect. It is the invisible cause of the visible personality.
(177:315, May 22, 1988)

We should have this attitude: “I am inheriting God’s undiluted tradition; therefore, I must always go the straight path. I have to win over all unrighteousness. Although it takes thousands of times more effort to subjugate force with something other than force, I will solve every problem and overcome any circumstance.” In this way, we should establish our integrity as people loyal to Heaven. We should start with a pure mind and continue without faltering until we achieve the goal.
(21:83, October 27, 1968)

We can never establish one unified world if we have a changing standard of goodness. A center must never move. The deeper it is, the calmer it should be. Look at the ocean: waves may rage on the surface because of a storm, but deep below the ocean is still. Let us learn from this.
(Way of God’s Will 2.2)

I want you to know that precious things, like diamonds, carry their own power and value. Others see that value and respect it and are moved by it. Who is the more precious person, one who is influenced by others or one who can influence others? What kind of person are you? Among those who influence others, the person having the best influence is the most precious person.
(118:95, May 9, 1982)

The saints and sages who appeared in history are the best historical examples of true people. Why do we call them “true”? Something true is not only true in the present.

It must be true in the past, true in the present and true in the future. Its truth transcends all circumstances. Therefore, a true person stands at the center of the past, the center of the present, and the center of the future. Among the people in the world, who is nearest to being “true”?

Is it a parent or a teacher you once had? Countless people have lived and died, but the person who should establish the basis of truth is none other than you yourself.

Where, then, is your closest link to the truth? It is your conscience. We often say of a person, “He is conscientious. He has an upright mind.” What does it mean for one’s mind to be upright? It is upright in the past, it is upright in the present, and it will be upright in the future.
(28:159, January 11, 1970)

March forward, trusting yourself. You should have the integrity to go forth absolutely alone.
(Way of God’s Will 1.4)