Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804 - 1864) - was an American novelist, born in Salem, Massachusetts.  His first novel, "Fanshawe" was published in 1828. He published several short stories in periodicals, which he collected in 1837 as "Twice-Told Tales".  "The Scarlet Letter" was published in 1850, followed by a succession of other novels. His fiction works are considered part of the Romantic movement. His themes often center on the inherent evil and sin of humanity, and his works often have moral messages and deep psychological complexity. This quote is from his Novel, "Fanshawe".

There is little controversy that honesty is a virtue. It is an excellence of character. It also promotes trust, fosters healthy relationships, strengthens organizations and societies, and prevents harm....Read more

Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882 - 1945), often referred to by his initials FDR, was an American politician and attorney who served as the 32nd president of the United States.He won a record four presidential elections. Roosevelt directed the federal government during most of the Great depression, implementing his New Deal domestic agenda in response to the worst economic crisis in U.S. history. Read more

Voltaire - (1694-1778)  François-Marie Arouet, known by his nom de plume Voltaire. was a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher famous for his wit, his attacks on the established Catholic Church, and his advocacy of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state. He was one of the greatest of all French writers.

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) French poet, novelist, and dramatist. He is considered to be one of the greatest French writers.

Frederick Douglass (1817 - 1895) - Born Frederick Augustus Washington Bailey. He was an American abolitionist, social reformer, writer, orator and statesman. He escape from slavery in Maryland and became a national leader of the abolitionist movement. Known for his oratory and antislavery writings. He was described by abolitionists in his time as a living counterexample to slaveholders' arguments that slaves lacked the intellectual capacity to function as independent American citizens.
Douglass wrote three autobiographies, describing his experiences as a slave and later times of his life. Douglass also actively supported women's suffrage, and held several public offices.
Quote Source: Frederick Douglass: Autobiographies - On taking action about his own liberation and self-actualization.

Henry David Thoreau (1817 - 1862).  American naturalist, philosopher, poet, and essayist. He is best known for his book "Walden" or "Life in the woods", a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings, and his essay "Civil Disobedience" (originally published as "Resistance to Civil Government"), an argument for disobedience to an unjust state.

Bertrand Russell (1872–1970) British philosopher, writer, mathematician, logician, historian, social critic, political activist, and Nobel Laureate. More

Maya Angelou (1928-2014) American writer, poet, singer, and civil rights activist.

“We can change. People say we can’t, but we do when the stakes or the pain is high enough. And when we do, life can change. It offers more of itself when we agree to give up our busyness.” Read more

Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson (1809 -1892) - British poet who become the most popular poet of the Victorian era and remains one of the most popular British poets.

Seneca - (4 BC – AD 65) Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger mostly known as Seneca, was a Roman Stoic Philosopher and  statesman, from the Silver Age of Latin Literature.