Quotes about Ethics

The lie, as a virtue, a principle, is eternal; the lie, as a recreation, a solace, a refuge in time of need, the fourth Grace, the tenth Muse, man's best and surest friend is immortal.

I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't.

I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that are profitable to the human race or doesn't.... The pain which it inflicts upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my enmity toward it, and it is to me sufficient justification of the enmity without looking further.

Each man must for himself alone decide what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn't. You cannot shirk this and be a man. To decide against your conviction is to be an unqualified and excusable traitor, both to yourself and to your country, let me label you as they may.

The fact that man knows right from wrong proves his intellectual superiority to other creatures but the fact that he can do wrong proves his moral inferiority to any creature that cannot.

The proper office of a friend is to side with you when you are wrong. Nearly anybody will side with you when you are right.

To be good is noble, but to teach others how to be good is nobler--and less trouble.

Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.

On an occasion of this kind it becomes more than a moral duty to speak one's mind. It becomes a pleasure.

It makes no sense to invest in [fossil fuel] companies that undermine our future.

A nation that kills its own children has no future.

We've staked our future on our ability to follow the Ten Commandments with all our heart.