About this quote

True integrity means squaring your accounts before you leave, no matter how small the debt. Socrates was facing execution, yet his final thought was about a minor promise to a neighbor. It is easy to ignore small obligations when big crises hit. Your character shows in how you handle those loose ends. Is there a forgotten promise you still need to fulfill?

When to use it

• You are quitting your job today and remember you still have your coworker's reference book. You walk over to return it because you want to leave with a clean slate.
• Before graduating, you write a short thank-you note to the campus librarian who helped you find rare sources. You want to honor the help you received before you move away.
• You finally recover from a long illness and decide to send a small gift to the nurse who checked on you every night. You feel a duty to thank the person who helped save your health.