But there are some. One was Samuel of the Bible. Samuel could say near the end of a most illustrious career that his hands were clean of any bribery or oppression (1 Samuel 12:1-5). A more recent example was Thomas Jefferson, who stated: "I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands as clean as they are empty." This is the heart of truly great builders of nations.

High principles are matters of choice—anyone can become such a person with clean hands—and heart.