I have to live with myself, and so
I want to be fit for myself to know,
I want to be able as days go by
Always look myself straight in the eye,
I don't want to stand with the setting sun
And hate myself for the things I've done.
I want to go out with my head erect,
I want to deserve all men's respect,
While in the struggle for fame and pelf
I want to be able to like myself.
I don't want to look at myself and know
That I'm bluster and bluff and an empty show
I never can fool myself; and so
Whatever happens, I want to be
Self-respecting and conscious-free.
~Edgar A. Guest