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It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass any object however great.
William Ellery Channing
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Maintaining a clear conscience is more valuable than achieving any significant goal.

In this quote, William Ellery Channing emphasizes the significance of integrity and moral clarity over the pursuit of success or great achievements. He suggests that the state of one's conscience is a fundamental value that should not be compromised for the sake of any material or worldly accomplishment, highlighting the importance of ethical principles in one's life choices.

Themes

ConscienceIntegrityMoralityValuesSuccess

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on ethical leadership, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of integrity in decision-making.

More from William Ellery Channing

It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.
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No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.
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I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
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We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.
William Ellery ChanningRead
He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.
William Ellery ChanningRead

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