Yesterday I advised you not to become a snollygoster. Then I went to my dictionary and defined snollygoster for you. It is a clever unscrupulous person. A person who is smart and clever, but who has no scruples.

Today I thought I’d better be more clear about what scruples are. A scruple is defined in that same Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary as “a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.” So if you have scruples, you have moral values. And those lead you to positive actions!

Or as Benjamin Franklin said: “Well done is better than well said.” Ben also said we should ask ourselves: “What good shall I do today?” And follow through. That’s part of the reason he became so wise and so successful in all his dealings. He wanted everyone to turn their values into behavioral goals. Delliberately cultivate your reputation and legacy.

You can be a clever person, but don’t become a snollygoster!