Consequences are unpitying. Our deeds carry their terrible consequences, quite apart from any fluctuations that went before—consequences that are hardly ever confined to ourselves. And it is best to fix our minds on that certainty, instead of considering what may be the elements of excuse for us. – George Eliot, Adam Bede

Character is doing the right thing even when it costs more than you want to pay. – Michael Josephson, whatwillmatter.com

I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day. – Attributed to Abraham Lincoln (unconfirmed)