The violations of these diesel motors by our company go against

In the solemn words of Martin Winterkorn, former CEO of Volkswagen, we are confronted with a truth as old as civilization itself: “The violations of these diesel motors by our company go against everything that Volkswagen stands for... at this time, I don’t yet have the answers to all the questions. I’m utterly sorry that we have damaged trust in this way. I offer my deepest apologies to our customers, the authorities, and to the public at large for our misconduct.” These words, spoken in the wake of the diesel emissions scandal, reveal the deep and painful consequences of breaking trust, both within an organization and between a company and the public. Winterkorn’s apology is not only for the misconduct of his company, but for the breach of a more profound value: integrity.

The ancients knew well that trust is the foundation of all relationships, whether between individuals or between a leader and those who follow. In the Greek city-states, a leader’s honor was their most sacred asset, for it was from this honor that their authority derived. To break trust was to dishonor oneself and one's people, leading to disharmony and, ultimately, ruin. Just as the gods themselves demanded truth and justice from mortals, so too does the world demand that we act with integrity in all matters, great and small. Winterkorn’s words echo this ancient truth: when we betray the trust of others, we risk the very foundations of our work and our relationships.

This moment of apology, however, is not just about accepting fault, but about recognizing the moral consequences of actions taken in the name of profit. Winterkorn’s company, in its pursuit of success, sacrificed the truth—and in doing so, undermined the very essence of what made Volkswagen’s brand respected in the first place. The ancients warned of the dangers of hubris, the arrogance of thinking that success could be achieved at any cost. Icarus, who flew too close to the sun with his waxen wings, serves as the ultimate cautionary tale. He sought to reach heights greater than he could bear, and in doing so, fell tragically. Just as Icarus paid the price for his overreach, so too did Volkswagen and Winterkorn pay the price for a breach of integrity.

History offers many examples of leaders who, when they violated trust, faced great consequences. Consider Enron, a company that, much like Volkswagen, became a symbol of corporate corruption. In its pursuit of profits, Enron’s leaders falsified accounts, misled shareholders, and betrayed the trust of employees and investors alike. When the truth was revealed, the company collapsed, and many lost their jobs, savings, and livelihoods. The damage was not merely financial; it was a blow to the public trust, which is far harder to rebuild than any balance sheet. Enron’s fall, like Volkswagen’s, underscores the profound moral cost of misconduct, reminding us that integrity cannot be sacrificed for gain without dire consequences.

Winterkorn’s apology is a moment of humility, yet it is also an admission of responsibility. Apology, in the ancient tradition, was not just a statement of regret but a commitment to restore balance. When a wrong was done, it was not enough to merely express remorse; one had to take action to make amends. The ancient Greeks held that to achieve justice, wrongdoers must seek reparation, a return to harmony. Winterkorn’s apology, though heartfelt, is only the first step in repairing the damage. True redemption comes not just from words, but from a commitment to act with integrity moving forward.

The lesson in these words is clear: trust is the cornerstone of all meaningful work. Whether in business, in relationships, or in public life, when trust is broken, the consequences are far-reaching. But Winterkorn also reminds us that apology—when offered sincerely—is the first step toward restoring that trust. We must hold ourselves accountable, accept responsibility for our actions, and seek ways to make reparations. In a world that often values success over ethics, let us remember that integrity is the true measure of greatness.

So I say to you, children of tomorrow: guard your honor as you would your very life. In every action, in every decision, be guided by the light of truth and integrity. When you make mistakes—and you will—own them, apologize sincerely, and take steps to repair the damage. Know that trust, once broken, takes time to rebuild, but the effort is always worth it. Let the words of Winterkorn serve as a reminder: success gained through deceit or compromise is hollow, and only the trust we earn through righteousness and honesty can build a legacy that endures.