Quotes About Principles

Just because people are in authority, if it doesn't seem right, don't do it. If it violates your own principles, don't do it.

It is one thing to oppose a bill and say, 'Well, I'm smarter than the other side and have more wisdom than they do,' but it is another thing to oppose a law because it violates the very principles upon which this country was founded.

When you go with individuals who have violated the Constitution in any fashion, you have sold your soul to them.

I will oppose a Muslim registry with every fiber of my being. That is not the American way of conducting affairs and violates every principle we stand for.

You can compromise without violating your principles, but it is nearly impossible to compromise when you turn principles into ideology.

Race doesn't matter to the people who are violating our constitutional principles, but they make it matter to keep us divided.

Even if torture works, what is the point of 'defending' America using a tactic that is a fundamental violation of what America ought to mean?

When we tolerate violations to the Constitution, the entire moral foundation of our political system is shaken to its core.

The most important element of a free society, where individual rights are held in the highest esteem, is the rejection of the initiation of violence.

I think there are universal principles that we should want to understand, but that are not necessarily good for us. We could recognise universal propensities which current cultures can't fully eradicate, which we would want to eradicate if we could. Let's say, a tendency for tribal violence. Or racism.

My friends on Twitter didn't abandon their beliefs or their principles - only their scorn. They channeled their infinitely justifiable offense and came to me with pointed questions tempered with kindness and humor. They approached me as a human being, and that was more transformative than two full decades of outrage, disdain, and violence.

To be an American is to be indoctrinated with racism, violence, capitalism and manifest destiny, the principles upon which the land of the free was founded.

The good news from the U.S. military survey of focus groups is that Iraqis do accept the Nuremberg principles. They understand that sectarian violence and the other postwar horrors are contained within the supreme international crime committed by the invaders.

Our party never tolerated those who use violence for political ends. Our leaders lost their lives standing against terrorism.

I used to get some flack from my agents because I wouldn't even audition for parts where the hero uses violent force to be a hero.

I pledged to put country before party and assert my independence when it reflects my principles or the needs of Central Virginia, and I have done that.

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

Silver and gold are not the only coin; virtue too passes current all over the world.

What most men call their conscience is imaginary virtue switching left or right according to self-interest.

It will always be considered a praiseworthy undertaking to urge the most obstinate and incredulous to abide by the principles that impel men to live in society. There are, therefore, three distinct classes of vice and virtue: the religious, the natural, and the political. These three classes should never be in contradiction with one another.

Money and virtue must always be combined.

We do not despise all those who have vices, but we do despise those that have no virtue.

Nothing in our times has become so unattractive as virtue.