About this quote

Honesty depends on attention as much as intention. Careless words spread errors as surely as deliberate lies, and someone who speaks without checking can wound or mislead while believing themselves blameless. Being trustworthy asks for the patience to get things right.

When to use it

• An editor double-checks a source's name before print instead of trusting a hurried memory.
• A manager verifies the numbers before repeating them to the board, sparing everyone a costly correction.
• A friend confirms a rumor with the person involved rather than passing it along secondhand.