Quotes about Ethics
When religion becomes so involved in a future good over yonder that it forgets the present evils over here it is as dry as dust religion and needs to be condemned.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Be sure that the means you employ are as pure as the end you seek.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is pretty difficult to imagine a single person having, simultaneously, the characteristics of the serpent and the dove, but this is what Jesus expects. We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, "Is it safe?" Expediency asks the question, "Is it politic?" And Vanity comes along and asks the question, "Is it popular?" But Conscience asks the question, "Is it right?
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
John Bunyan: "I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
A just law is a man made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow and that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Never must the church tire of reminding men that they have a moral responsibility to be intelligent.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
An unjust law is a code that a numerical or power majority group compels a minority group to obey but does not make binding on itself. This is difference made legal. By the same token, a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
What you're saying may get you a foundation grant but it won't get you into the kingdom of truth.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
the means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.