Principles - Quotes

’Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. - Thomas Paine

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. - Dwight D. Eisenhower

A principle that can't bear being laughed at, frowned on, and cold-shouldered, isn't worthy of the name. - Louisa May Alcott

Even an evil man can have principles – he can be true to his own evil, which is not always so easy. - Norman Mailer

He that always gives way to others will end in having no principles of his own. - Aesop

He who governs himself according to what he calls his principles may be punished either by one party or the other for those very principles. He who proceeds without principle, as chance, timidity, or self-preservation directs, will not perhaps fare better; but he will be less blamed. - St. John de Crevecoeur

I shall argue that strong men, conversely, know when to compromise and that all principles can be compromised to serve a greater principle. - Andrew Carnegie

It is always easier to fight for one’s principles than to live up to them. - Alfred Adler

It is better to be defeated on principle than to win on lies. - Arthur Calwell

It is often easier to fight for your principles than to live up to them. - Adlai Stevenson

It is the right thing to have values and principles; just do not think that your values and principles must be the right ones. Be sensible enough to change when they are proven wrong. - Unknown

Many frequently change their principles, but seldom their practices. - Norman MacDonald

Nobody ever did anything very foolish except from some strong principle. - Viscount William Lamb Melbourne

Principles and values are for people to live it out, and not for them to brag about. The wise practice them quietly and without fanfare. - Unknown

Principles, like advice, should be kept to oneself unless asked for, because what you think are high ideals may well just be silly notions to the next person. - Vincent Thnay

The principles now planted in thy bosom will grow, and one day reach maturity; and in that maturity thou wilt find thy heaven or thy hell. - David Thomas

Values and principles are like the roots of a tree. The stronger they are, the more able the person is to withstand the wave of changes that blow his way. - Unknown

When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn’t the slightest intention of carrying it out in practice. - Otto von Bismarck