Quotes about Ethics

Return good for good; return evil with justice.

If either wealth or poverty are come by honesty, there is no shame.

Without an acquaintance with the rules of propriety, it is impossible for the character to be established

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of man.

Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principles, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains steadfast in its place, while all the host of stars turn towards it

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

The Master said, I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue, would esteem nothing above it. He who hated what is not virtuous, would practice virtue in such a way that he would not allow anything that is not virtuous to approach his person. Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his strength would be insufficient. Should there possibly be any such case, I have not seen it.

Don't worry if you have no position: worry about making yourself worthy of one. Don't worry if you aren't known and admired: devote yourself to a life that deserves admiration.

The noble-minded are all-encompassing, not stuck in doctrines. Little people are stuck in doctrines.

The noble-minded encourage what is beautiful in people and discourage what is ugly in them. Little people do just the opposite.

The Master said: 'Artful speech and an ingratiating demeanour rarely accompany virtue.

If the will be set on virtue, there will be no practice of wickedness.