Old Stern was a man of affairs and big business transactions, back in the days when steel tycoons and railroad magnates were creating vast fortunes. Then the rule was often, "Buyer Beware." Stern was discussing this business practice in light of the old adage,
"Integrity and wisdom are the keys to success."
His son had grown rather cynical as a result of Stern's price-fixing, bribery, and other commercial dealings. He therefore expressed his view that the proverb did not apply to business practices.
"I'm sorry you're so disillusioned," replied old man Stern, "but let me give you an example. When I speak of integrity, I mean that when you promise that you will deliver merchandise on a certain day and at a certain price, then you must live up to that promise even if it ruins you."
"Well," replied the son, "that covers the integrity part, although it is rather extreme. So, what is the wisdom that is also needed for success?"
"Wisdom," said the old man, is in not making such fool promises ..."
----------------A Final Thought ...
"A man should be upright, not be kept upright."
- Marcus Aurelius (121-180), Roman emperor, philosopher