The greatest want of the world is the want of men - men who will

Host: The soft crackle of the fire in the corner fills the room, but the air between Jack and Jeeny feels still, as if every word carries a weight beyond the simple conversation. The quote they’re reflecting on, powerful in its call for integrity and courage, seems to hang in the air between them like a challenge. Jack takes a slow breath, turning over the words in his mind as Jeeny watches, her eyes attentive.

Jeeny: "Ellen G. White once said, 'The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.' It’s such a strong statement. Do you think we really lack this kind of integrity today? Men who are true to their word and stand by their values, no matter what?"

Jack: He pauses, clearly moved by the depth of the quote. "I think there’s a real longing for this kind of integrity. It feels like we live in a time when values are being compromised, when people are more often swayed by convenience or fear than by what’s truly right. The idea of men who stand firm, who aren't afraid to speak out, even when it's hard—that's rare, isn't it? And, if we’re being honest, it’s almost a lost art in many ways. People are so often afraid of what might happen to them if they take a stand." He leans forward, his voice becoming more conviction-filled. "But what I admire about White’s words is that she doesn’t just call for men who are brave; she calls for men who are true to themselves, who can’t be swayed or bought. That kind of honesty is the foundation of true integrity."

Jeeny: "It’s true. It’s not just about bravery, it’s about being rooted in something deeper—conviction. When she talks about men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, that’s the kind of moral compass we’re missing today. It’s about standing for what is right, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the truth, no matter the consequences." Her eyes narrow slightly as she adds, "I think that’s the challenge for all of us—staying true when it’s hard, when the world tries to pull us in different directions. To be true to our values and speak up when things aren’t right, even if it feels like we’re standing alone."

Jack: "Exactly. There’s a kind of bravery in knowing what’s right and not being afraid to say it, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s not just about calling out the wrong, but about living a life that reflects honesty and truth in every action. I think what Ellen G. White is saying is that the world needs men (and women, I’d add) who are willing to not only say the right things, but also live them—consistently." He smiles slightly, as if considering the challenge. "It’s a hard thing to do, but when you find someone who lives by those values, they have a strength that’s undeniable."

Jeeny: "That kind of strength, the kind that comes from integrity, is more powerful than we realize. It doesn’t just influence others—it builds a better world. If more people stood by their convictions and were unafraid to speak truth, we’d see less corruption, less fear, and more meaningful change." She leans back slightly, her voice softening but still full of meaning. "It’s about courage—courage to call things what they are, courage to not back down, even when the world pushes against you."

Host: The quiet hum of the room feels heavier now, as if the weight of their conversation has shifted the atmosphere. Jack and Jeeny sit together in reflection, understanding that integrity, courage, and standing firm for what is right, even when it seems impossible, is more important than ever. Ellen G. White’s call for men and women of true character feels like both a challenge and a reminder—that, in a world where values are so often compromised, it’s those who remain steadfast in their honesty and duty who will make the greatest impact.

As the evening continues, the room seems to settle, both Jack and Jeeny left with the echo of the quote in their minds—a reminder that standing for the right, even if the heavens fall, is the essence of true courage, and the key to building a better world.