"کسانی که با فساد مبارزه می‌کنند باید خود پاک باشند."

The idea here is pretty straightforward: if you’re going to combat corruption, you better make sure you’re not corrupt yourself. It’s like saying, “Don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house.” You can’t hold others accountable to a standard you’re not willing to meet yourself. It’s about integrity and leading by example.

This quote is often attributed to various sources, but it gained particular prominence in political discussions. Think about it—politicians, activists, anyone in a position of power who’s fighting corruption needs to be beyond reproach. If they’re not, their efforts are undermined, and trust is eroded. People aren’t going to listen to someone who’s saying “do as I say, not as I do.”

Imagine a scenario where a high-profile judge is leading a massive anti-corruption campaign. This judge is on TV every week, talking about the importance of honesty and transparency. One day, it’s revealed that this same judge has been evading taxes for years. What happens next? The whole campaign loses credibility. Instead of focusing on the real issues, everyone’s talking about the judge’s hypocrisy. The judge’s failure to be clean means the battle against corruption takes a huge hit.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by looking in the mirror. Are you holding yourself to the same standards you expect from others? Maybe it’s in your workplace—if you’re calling out a colleague for cutting corners, are you making sure you’re not doing the same? Consistency between your actions and your words is crucial. It builds trust and credibility, whether you’re in a leadership role or not.

Now, let’s bring it down to a simpler, more everyday level. Picture a small town where everyone knows each other. There’s a local business owner, Karen, who’s always talking about how important it is to support local businesses. She’s vocal about boycotting big chains and spending money within the community. But then, people find out she’s been secretly buying supplies from a big box store to save a few bucks. What does that do to Karen’s reputation? It’s shot. People feel betrayed, and her words lose all meaning.

To avoid becoming a Karen, live your values. It might mean making sacrifices or taking the harder path, but it pays off in the long run. If you’re fighting for something you believe in, whether it’s a cause at work, in your community, or even within your family, make sure your actions are squeaky clean. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.

In essence, practicing what you preach isn’t just good advice—it’s essential if you want to make a real impact. When you’re clean yourself, you stand on solid ground. People can trust you, and that trust makes all the difference when you’re trying to drive change. So, next time you feel the urge to call someone out, make sure you’re looking at your own actions with the same scrutiny. It’s a simple rule, but one that can make all the difference.