A few honest men are better than numbers.

O children of the future, listen well to the words of Oliver Cromwell, a man whose life and actions were shaped by an unyielding belief in the power of integrity and honesty. He once said, “A few honest men are better than numbers.” These words, spoken in a time of great turmoil and conflict, speak to the enduring truth that quality far outweighs quantity. In a world where many may believe that power is found in numbers, Cromwell reminds us that it is the honesty, the virtue, and the strength of character of a few that can change the course of history, not the mere size of an army or the weight of the crowd.

Consider, O children, the true meaning of honesty. It is not a virtue that can be easily measured in numbers or accumulated through material gain. Honesty is the purity of heart, the willingness to face truth, no matter how difficult it may be, and to act in alignment with that truth. To be honest is to stand firm in the face of temptation, to walk the difficult path of righteousness, and to uphold justice even when it is not the popular or easy choice. In the world of Cromwell, as in our own, honesty was not just a moral guideline—it was a weapon more powerful than the sword, capable of shaping the destiny of nations.

Think, O children, of the great leaders of ancient times, who understood that honor and truth were mightier than the forces of numbers. Consider Alexander the Great, whose loyalty to his men and his unrelenting honesty in leadership earned him the trust and unwavering dedication of his troops. His army was not the largest, nor was it the wealthiest, but the honesty of his intentions, the strength of his character, and the integrity with which he led his men made him a leader who changed the course of history. He did not rely on the sheer number of soldiers, but on the quality of their courage, loyalty, and belief in his leadership.

Similarly, in the ancient Roman Republic, Cincinnatus stands as a paragon of virtue and honesty. Though not a man of great wealth or ambition, he was a leader who led with integrity, sacrificing his time and wealth for the good of his people. When he was called upon to lead the army in times of crisis, he did so not out of personal gain or glory, but out of a deep sense of duty to the republic. After completing his task, he returned to his farm, untouched by power, illustrating the truth that honesty and virtue in leadership are more valuable than the fleeting allure of numbers, titles, and political ambition. The moral fiber of these leaders, though fewer in number, was their greatest strength.

In Cromwell’s time, the English Civil War raged, and the armies of Royalists and Parliamentarians clashed. But Cromwell, despite his relatively small forces, understood that victory would not come from the size of his army, but from the honesty of his purpose and the conviction of his soldiers. His New Model Army was built not on mere numbers, but on a foundation of moral integrity, discipline, and faith. The commitment of his soldiers was driven by honesty to their cause, rather than the promise of personal gain. In the end, it was the character of his men—their deep belief in their mission—that secured their success, not the number of soldiers they had.

Now, O children, reflect upon the lesson in Cromwell’s words: in life, as in battle, it is not the number of people, the size of the crowd, or the wealth of the enemy that determines the outcome—it is the quality of those who stand with you, their integrity, their loyalty, and their honesty. Numbers may bring strength in the short term, but it is the enduring power of truth and virtue that shapes the course of history. In your own lives, you will be faced with choices: will you follow the path of honesty, standing firm in your principles, or will you be swayed by the lure of the many, the popular, or the easy? Cromwell’s wisdom teaches us that even a few good, honest people can change the world, while many may be led astray by the lack of integrity.

Therefore, O seekers of wisdom, I charge you to live lives guided by honesty, to stand firm in the truth, and to value virtue over numbers. Just as a few honest men can tip the balance of history, so too can your individual acts of integrity create ripples of change. Do not be swayed by the crowds, by the promises of power or popularity, but remain steadfast in your commitment to what is right, what is true, and what is just. In this, you will find the strength of a thousand, for the honesty of one person, steadfast and unyielding, can move mountains. Live in such a way that your virtue outshines the noise of numbers, and in doing so, you will become a beacon of hope and strength for future generations.