Quotes on Ethics

In philosophy, or religion, or ethics, or politics, two and two might make five, but when one was designing a gun or an aeroplane they had to make four.

We confide in our strength, without boasting of it, we respect that of others, without fearing it.

Dare to be true. Nothing can need a lie: a fault which needs it most, grows two thereby.

Every age has its massive moral blind spots. We might not see them, but our children will.

We have in fact, two kinds of morality, side by side: one which we preach, but do not practice, and another which we practice, but seldom preach.

They cannot take away our self-respect if we do not give it to them.

Ethics, too, are nothing but reverence for life. This is what gives me the fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, promoting, and enhancing life, and that destroying, injuring, and limiting life are evil.

Rather than bring the full force of our creativity and rationality to bear on the problems of ethics, social cohesion, and even spiritual experience, moderates merely ask that we relax our standard of adherence to ancient superstitions and taboos, while otherwise maintaining a belief system that was passed down to us from men and women whose lives were simply ravaged by their basic ignorance about the world.

If one doesn't respect oneself one can have neither love nor respect for others.

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold.

A woman can forgive a man for the harm he does her...but she can never forgive him for the sacrifices he makes on her account.

A good conscience is a continual Christmas.