The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Conscience
A man does what he must—in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures—and that is the basis of all human morality.
John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage · 1956

Quotes

“I was not born to be forced. I will breathe after my own fashion. Let us see who is the strongest.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“Do not do that which you would not have known.”

Benjamin Franklin · Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1732-1758 · Primary source

“Commit a crime, and the earth is made of glass.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Compensation, 1841 · Primary source

“Perhaps if the American people more fully comprehended the terrible pressures which discourage acts of political courage, which drive a Senator to abandon or subdue his conscience, then they might be less critical of those who take the easier road—and more appreciative of those still able to follow the path of courage.”

John F. Kennedy · Profiles in Courage, 1956 · Primary source

“Any man more right than his neighbors, constitutes a majority of one already.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“For it matters not how small the beginning may seem to be: what is once well done is done for ever.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right. The only obligation which I have a right to assume, is to do at any time what I think right.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.”

Henry David Thoreau · Resistance to Civil Government, 1849 · Primary source

“The highest result of education is tolerance.”

Helen Keller · Optimism, 1903 · Primary source

Works

John F. Kennedy · 1956
Profiles in Courage

Eight studies of US senators who risked popularity, party support or political careers by taking positions they believed were right.

Read summary·Explore 5 quotes
Henry David Thoreau · 1849
Resistance to Civil Government

An argument for individual conscience over unjust state authority, examining taxation, slavery, war, resistance, and the moral limits of government.

Read summary·Explore 7 quotes

Related Tags

Self-reliance 49 Integrity 19 Accountability 18 Reputation 16 Consequences 12 Duty 11 Slavery 8 Resistance 7 Political leadership 7 Moral courage 5 Tolerance 5 Secrecy 4 Individual liberty 4 Civil disobedience 4 Political courage 3 Moral judgement 3 Moral conviction 3 Individual judgement 3 Mutual respect 3 Crime 2 Exposure 2 Personal sacrifice 2 Political responsibility 2 Majority rule 2 Political resistance 2 Community 2 Representative government 2 Guilt 1 Public pressure 1 State authority 1 Dissent 1 Principled action 1 Small beginnings 1 Lasting impact 1 Moral duty 1 Law and morality 1 Unjust imprisonment 1 Moral solidarity 1 Religious freedom 1 US Senate 1 Mexican-American War 1