Quotes about Ethics

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.

The Master said, "If a man of position [junzi] does not have integrity, he will not inspire awe.

The Master said, "When you meet persons of exceptional character think to stand shoulder to shoulder with them; meeting persons of little character, look inward and examine yourself.

Very few go astray who comport themselves with restraint.

Staying with good people is like entering a room with orchids. You won't notice the fragrance, but you'll be soaked in the scent. Staying with evil people is just like going inside a stinky fish store. You won't smell it after a while because you will blend with the stench. Keep red things and you'll turn red. Keep lacquer, and you'll turn black ...So a wise man should be careful of where he stays...

Practicing archery is like practicing to be a Gentleman. When you miss the bulls-eye, you look for the error in yourself.

A wise man is never cheated, a virtuous man is never worried and a courageous man is never afraid.

I don't know what sort of world she will live in and I have no fixed opinions concerning how she should live in it. I only know that if she does not come to value what is true above what is useful, it will make little difference whether she lives at all.

Even a nonbeliever might find it useful to model himself after God. Very useful, in fact.

How can you believe in heaven if you don't believe in hell?

Moral law is an invention of mankind for the disenfranchisement of the powerful in favor of the weak.