Quotes About Ethics

Traitors." "People," Marsh said. "People who were just trying to do the best with what life gave them." "Well, I'm just doing the same thing," Kelsier said. "And, fortunately, life gave me the ability to push men like them off the tops of buildings.

When good men disobeyed, it was time to look at your orders.

For the greater good." "That has been the excuse of tyrants throughout all time.

Act with honor, and honor will aid you.

A leader is often judged by how well he bears responsibility. As king, everything that happens in your kingdom - regardless of who commits the act -is your fault.

You ... are a good man. A truly good man.' 'Good men don't become legends,' he said quietly. 'Good men don't need to become legends.' She opened her eyes, looking up at him. 'They just do what's right anyway.

That was why he'd come back. It was about Tien, it was about Dalinar, and it was about what was right—but most of all, it was about protecting people. This was the man he wanted to be.

I believe that my own morality—which answers only to my heart—is more sure and true than the morality of those who do right only because they fear retribution.

But maybe you shouldn't be looking for life to be easier because you choose to do something that is right!

Sazed?" she asked, peeking back out into the hallway. The steward paused, turning back. "Yes, Mistress Vin?" "Kelsier," Vin said quietly. "He's a good man, isn't he?" Sazed smiled. "A very good man, Mistress. One of the best I've known." Vin nodded slightly. "A good man..." she said softly. "I don't think I've ever known one of those before.

Good men can make terrible kings," Tindwyl noted. "But bad men cannot make good kings

Have you ever tried to bribe a Korathi priest, Lukel?" Shuden asked pointedly. Lukel looked around uncomfortably. "I'd rather not answer that question, thank you.

The law is not something holy, son. It's just a reflection of the ideals of those lucky enough to be in charge.

Honor' is a word applied to the actions of men from the past who have had their lives scrubbed clean by historians.

somehow the old philosophers could make even the most salacious topics seem boring.

Something is either right or it's wrong," Dalinar said, feeling stubborn. "The Almighty doesn't come into it." "God," Navani said flatly, "doesn't come into whether his commands are right or wrong." "Er. Yes.

What good is seeking a greater law, when that law can be the whims of a man either stupid or ruthless?

Religion worried him. It could ask men to do things they'd otherwise never do.

Good men don't become legends.

The finest defense of character is correct action. Acquaint yourself with virtue, and you can expect proper treatment from those around you.

However," he continued, "duty should not be accepted without question. Duty can be a motive, but should not be an excuse.

People rarely want to kill, David. It's not the basic makeup of the healthy human mind. In most situations they will go to great lengths to avoid killing. Remember that, and it will help you.

Can't you just relax," she asked him, "just for a little while?" "The rules—" "Everyone else—" "I cannot be everyone else!" Dalinar said, more sharply than he intended. "If I ignore our code and ethics, what am I, Navani? The other highprinces and lighteyes deserve recrimination for what they do, and I have let them know it. If I abandon my principles, then I become something far worse than they. A hypocrite!

Sometimes," Dalinar said, "the prize is not worth the costs. The means by which we achieve victory are as important as the victory itself.