It was many years ago.  Hadleyburg was the most honest and upright town in all the region round about.  It had kept that reputation unsmirched during three generations, and was prouder of it than of any other of its possessions.  It was so proud of it, and so anxious to insure its perpetuation, that it began to teach the principles of honest dealing to its babies in the cradle, and made the like teachings the staple of their culture thenceforward through all the years devoted to their education.  Also, throughout the formative years temptations were kept out of the way of the young people, so that their honesty could have every chance to harden and solidify, and become a part of their very bone.  The neighbouring towns were jealous of this honourable supremacy, and affected to sneer at Hadleyburg’s pride in it and call it vanity; but all the same they were obliged to acknowledge that Hadleyburg was in reality an incorruptible town; and if pressed they would also acknowledge that the mere fact that a young man hailed from Hadleyburg was all the recommendation he needed when he went forth from his natal town to seek for responsible employment.

But at last, in the drift of time, Hadleyburg had the ill luck to offend a passing stranger—possibly without knowing it, certainly without caring, for Hadleyburg was sufficient unto itself, and cared not a rap for strangers or their opinions.  Still, it would have been well to make an exception in this one’s case, for he was a bitter man, and revengeful …

From “The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg,” by Mark Twain

Mark Twain is one of the greatest American storytellers. In this tale, he addresses the problem of corruption, a current hot topic in political campaigns.  The author points out that no one should brag about being incorruptible. If we are lucky and can spot an attempt to deceive us, lure us, or gain some illicit favor from us, we may get away without any deed we might regret later. Some who have given in to corruption may have been subjected to overprotection during childhood as the author describes: “It began to teach the principles of honest dealing to its babies in the cradle … and throughout the formative years temptations were kept out of the way of the young people ….”

Being born into a family with little recourses, I was probably exposed to more temptations than the well-to-do children. As an adult, I detected the vibes of blandishment that appeared before me in the form of ‘legal business’ proposals at the first encounter. But we are imperfect beings and can fall into the trap. Sometimes, it takes a while for us to realize the deception. As we say in Spanish, “Que Dios nos coga confesados,”—this is, “May God have mercy on our souls.”