Quotes about Ethics

The trouble with some kinds of warfare (and be certain the Tyrant knew this, because it is implicit in his lesson) is that they destroy all moral decency in susceptible types. Warfare of these kinds will dump the destroyed survivors back into an innocent population that is incapable of even imagining what such returned soldiers might do. -Teachings of the Golden Path, Bene Gesserit Archives

I salve my own conscience. I give him the surcease of religion before betraying him. Thus may I say to myself that he has gone where I cannot go.

Rules are often an excuse to ignore compassion.

I already have good administrators—uncorruptible, sagacious, philosophical and open about their errors, quick to see decisions.

My father once told me that respect for the truth comes close to being the basis for all morality.

The realization that all religions had at least one common commandment: "Thou shalt not disfigure the soul.

When I'm stronger than you I take away your freedom because that is according to my principles.

You cannot go on forever stealing what you need without regard to those who come after. The physical qualities of a planet are written into its economic and political record.

A crime in one society can be a moral requirement in another society.

If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.

Character is higher than intellect. A great soul will be strong to live as well as think.