Quotes About Ethics

Well, a man can but hold fast to what he believes right, and even the opponent he baulks should value him for that.

[On Rear Window:] I'll bet you that nine out of ten people, if they see a woman across the courtyard undressing for bed, or even a man puttering around in his room, will stay and look; no one turns away and says, "It's none of my business." They could pull down their blinds, but they never do; they stand there and look out.

There is nothing to winning, really. That is, if you happen to be blessed with a keen eye, an agile mind, and no scruples whatsoever.

Ah, crap! Isn't Wrong worth the same as Right?

From the early days of humanity, dogmatic theology, law, ethics, and science in its infancy, were the monopolies of one class and the source of their power.4

Ethics is too fundamentally important a factor in civilization to depend upon a theological or a legal excuse; [pg 035] ethics must conform to the natural laws of human nature.

Then on January 13, a rumor spread that Shackleton was considering killing the dogs

Mrs. Chippy some distance from camp and shot them without a qualm

Live pure, speak true, right wrong, follow the King—Else, wherefore born?

What is morality in any given time or place? It is what the majority then and there happen to like, and immorality is what they dislike.

The deliberate aim at Peace very easily passes into its bastard substitute, Anesthesia.

I always feel that I have two duties to perform with a parting guest: one, to see that he doesn't forget anything that is his; the other, to see that he doesn't take anything that is mine.

Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.

If this is not done, future ages will certainly look back upon us as a people so immersed in the pursuit of wealth as to be blind to higher considerations.

The dollar sign is exalted above the health sign," said Hassler, referring to the influence of the merchants on the supervisors' decision.73

Wisdom doesn't affect corrupt hearts.

A virtuous person is better then virtue and a vicious person is worse than vice.

When wisdom reaches the acme of perfection it, will suppress the vicious instincts and injurious desires.

Whoever wants to be a leader should educate himself before educating others. Before preaching to others he should first practice himself. Whoever educates himself and improves his own morals is superior to the man who tries to teach and train others.

Do not feel ashamed if the amount of charity is small because to refuse the needy is an act of greater shame.

The best companion and helper is admirable morals.

To refrain from unlawful and impious source of pleasures is an ornament to the poor and to be thankful for the riches granted is the adornment of wealth.

Be generous but not extravagant, be frugal but not miserly.

A virtuous person is better than virtue and a vicious person is worse than vice.