Between a fellow who is stupid and honest and one who is smart and crooked, I will take the first. I won't get much out of him, but with that other guy I can't keep what I've got.
This quote highlights the value of honesty over cunning manipulation. Choosing integrity, even if it means being less clever or resourceful, often leads to more sustainable relationships and trust. The speaker seems to prioritize genuine character rather than superficial intelligence combined with dishonesty. It serves as a reminder that integrity can have long-term benefits, whereas dishonesty, though potentially profitable in the short term, risks eroding what one has built. The quote resonates with the idea that trustworthiness and sincerity are foundational for lasting success.
