Quotes about Ethics

True religion is real living; living with all one's soul, with all one's goodness and righteousness.

Science has therefore been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.

Most people say that it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.

I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves—such an ethical basis I call more proper for a herd of swine.

The highest principles for our aspirations and judgments are given to us in the Jewish-Christian religious tradition.

It is abhorrent to me when a fine intelligence is paired with an unsavory character

In their struggle for the ethical good, teachers of religion must have the stature to give up the doctrine of a personal God, that is, give up that source of fear and hope which in the past placed such vast power in the hands of priests'.

The example of great and pure individuals is the only thing that can lead us to noble thoughts and deeds.

But the nature of the universe is such that the ends never justify the means. On the contrary, the means always determine the end.

Half at least of all morality is negative and consists in keeping out of mischief. The lords prayer is less than 50 words long, and 6 of those words are devoted to asking god not to lead us into temptation.

Contemplatives are not likely to become gamblers, or procurers, or drunkards; they do not as a rule preach intolerance, or make war; do not find it necessary to rob, swindle or grind the faces of the poor.

The Lord's Prayer is less than fifty words long, and six of those words are devoted to asking God not to lead us into temptation.