Quotations: Principle, expediency, values


Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.
Albert Einstein, Swiss-American mathematician, physicist and public philosopher (1879-1955)

A departure from principle in one instance becomes a precedent for a second; that second for a third; and so on, till the bulk of the society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery, to have no sensibilities left but for sin and suffering.
Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and third U.S. president (1743-1826), from a letter to Samuel Kercheval, 1816

The sentiments of men are known not only by what they receive, but what they reject also.
Thomas Jefferson, Founding Father and third U.S. president (1743-1826), from his Autobiography (1821)

Whatever else may be shaken, there are some facts established beyond warring: virtue is better than vice, truth is better than falsehood, kindness than brutality.
Quintin Hogg, English merchant and philanthropist (1845-1903)

We talk on principle but we act on interest.
William Savage Landor, English author (1775-1864)

Expedients are for the hour, but principles are for the ages.
Henry Ward Beecher, American preacher (1813-1887)

Every man, at the bottom of his heart, wants to do right. But only he can do right who knows right; only he knows right who thinks right; only he thinks right who believes right.
Tiorio

Values are like fingerprints. Nobody's are the same, but you leave 'em all over everything you do.'
Elvis Presley, American rock 'n' roll icon (1935-1977)

When things go wrong don't go with them.
Elvis Presley, American rock 'n' roll icon (1935-1977)

Two things fill my mind with ever-increasing wonder and awe: the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.
Immanuel Kant, Prussian geographer and philosopher (1724-1804)

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