A few honest men are better than numbers.

Attributed to Oliver Cromwell, the saying contrasts moral quality with mere quantity: a small group of principled, trustworthy people can accomplish more—and do so more legitimately—than a large crowd lacking integrity. In Cromwell’s political and military world, loyalty and “godly” character were often treated as decisive assets, especially amid factionalism and shifting allegiances. The line has endured because it generalizes easily beyond its putative moment: institutions, movements, and armies may be numerically strong yet brittle if their members are corrupt or self-interested, whereas a committed minority can provide cohesion, credibility, and effective leadership.