quotations about principles
It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.
ALFRED ADLER
attributed, Alfred Adler
I am afraid of the result upon organized action where great results are in view, if any of us allow ourselves to seek out minor or separate points, on which there may be difference of views as to policy and right, and let them keep us from uniting in action upon a great principle in a cause on which we all agree.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
speech in Chicago, March 1, 1859
Establish unto thyself principles of action, and see that thou ever act according to them.
ROBERT DODSLEY
The Economy of Human Life
Many frequently change their principles, but seldom their practices.
NORMAN MACDONALD
Maxims and Moral Reflections
Learn the principles, abide by the principles, and then dissolve the principles.
BRUCE LEE
Bruce Lee: Artist of Life
Prosperity is the best protector of principle.
MARK TWAIN
Following the Equator
Just principles conceive just notions and perform good actions in consequence of them.
HUGH BLAIR
attributed, Day's Collacon
We talk on principle, but we act on interest.
WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR
Imaginary Conversations of Literary Men and Statesmen
Ez to my princerples, I glory
In hevin' nothin' o' the sort.
JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL
The Biglow Papers
Principles early sown in the mind, are the seeds which produce fruit and harvest in the ripe state of manhood.
GEORGE BERKELEY
"A Discourse Addressed to Magistrates and Men in Authority", Works: Account of His Life and Letters
We speak of being anchored to our principles. But if the weather turns nasty you up with an anchor and let it down where there's less wind, and the fishing's better.
ROBERT BOLT
A Man for All Seasons
Principles do not much influence the unprincipled, nor mainly the principled.
WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR
Imaginary Conversations of Literary Men and Statesmen
Don't let your principles sit idle on a plaque. Bring them to life.
CHERYL A. BACHELDER
Dare to Serve: How to Drive Superior Results by Serving Others
Stand by your principles, stand by your guns, and victory, complete and permanent, is sure at the last.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
speech in Chicago, March 1, 1859