Quotes About Principles

It had never occurred to me to think of aesthetics and ethics as opposites. I thought ethics were aesthetic. "Ethics" meant the golden rule, which was basically an aesthetic rule. That's why it was called "golden," like the golden ratio.

If, by the term elements, we mean to express the simple and indivisible molecules that compose bodies, it is probable that we know nothing about them; but if, on the contrary, we express by the term elements or principles of bodies the idea of the last point reached by analysis, all substances that we have not yet been able to decompose by any means are elements to us.

Despicable means used to achieve laudable goals render the goals themselves despicable.

Neither I nor anyone else knows what a standard is. We all recognize a dishonorable act, but have no idea what honor is.

The problem with rules, says Seneca, is that 'if we give precepts for specific situations, the task will be endless'. Instead, we should be guided by philosophical principles, which are 'concise and comprehensive'.

What makes an American…is not the name or the blood or even the place of birth, but the belief in the principles of freedom and equality that this country stands for.

A man can define many things beautifully in his life, but his character is one beautiful thing that can define him instantly and completely.

A strong man does not go down ever on own knees to propose own love to please a woman

Being a gentleman is not a matter of choice but it is being true to own inner voice.

The reason why the proverbial principles of three wise monkeys fell flat and did not find any acceptance in the world because the people were preached to treat themselves as monkeys.

he told Byam he had rather die than live upon the same earth with such dogs.

Wise men, though all laws were abolished, would lead the same lives.

Wise people, even though all laws were abolished, would still lead the same life.

Where the interests of truth are at actual stake, we ought, perhaps, to sacrifice even that which is our own--if, at least, we are to lay any claim to a philosophic spirit.

But the merchant, if faithful to his principles, always employs his money reluctantly for any other purpose than that of augmenting itself.

The heart is the perfection of the whole organism. Therefore the principles of the power of perception and the soul's ability to nourish itself must lie in the heart.

There is no higher value in our society than integrity.

a life in which conduct does not fairly well accord with principles is a silly life; and that conduct can only be made to accord with principles by means of daily examination, reflection, and resolution.

happiness does not spring from the procuring of physical or mental pleasure, but from the development of reason and the adjustment of conduct to principles.

Success is simple. Do what's right, the right way, at the right time.

I stand fearlessly for small dogs, the American Flag, motherhood and the Bible. That's why people love me.

The source of morality must be moral.

Moral arguments beat economic arguments every time, because—whether we are liberal or conservative—we are all moral creatures who are encoded to value compassion and fairness.

This is a classic weaponization of values. It's not something that good or moral leaders should ever do.