"There’s no question **it’s possible to get ahead in life by lying and cheating** and generally being awful to other people. This may even be a quick way to the top. **But it comes at the expense of not only your self-respect, but your security too. Virtue, on the other hand, as crazy as it might seem, is a far more attainable and sustainable way to succeed**. "How’s that? **Recognition is dependent on other people**. Getting rich requires business opportunities. You can be blocked from your goals by the weather just as easily as you can by a dictator. But virtue? **No one can stop you from knowing what’s right. Nothing stands between you and it . . . but yourself**." ([Location 1153](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B07QY3CZ9L&location=1153)) --- **Tags** -- [[quotes]], [[control]], [[character]], [[personal-values]], [[honesty]], [[reputation]], [[mindfulness]] **Source** -- [[202409180133 - B - Stillness is the Key]]