John Ashcroft Quotes

Integrity in the Moment of Choice: Quality of life depends on what happens in the space between stimulus and response.

Courage is the ability to do the right thing, all the time, no matter how painful or uncomfortable it might be.

I do what I think is right.

Is it important to be right or is it important to do what's right? That's one of the hardest lessons to learn.

I've lost a lot. I've lost money, and my reputation has taken a hit for taking the high road to protect my dignity, to protect children, and for other good causes. But I don't think there's ever too steep a price for doing the right thing.

A pure heart won't get us out of conflict and controversy. It may well be the very thing that gets us into it.

Every man of character will have that character questioned. Every man of honor and courage will be faced with unjust criticism, but never forget that unjust criticism has no impact whatsoever upon the truth. And the only sure way to avoid criticism is to do nothing and be nothing.

Integrity is what you do when no one is watching; its doing the right thing all the time, even when it may work to your disadvantage.

Do well and right and let the world sink.

I have always been of the opinion that unpopularity earned by doing what is right is not unpopularity at all, but glory.

Integrity, the choice between what's convenient and what's right.

I think, as a president, you have to want respect. You can't look for love from the American people. You have to just do what you think is right. Some people will hate you, but others, in the long run, will respect you for what you've done.

I have always tried my best to do what I thought was the right thing at the time.

On the one hand, we may tell the truth, regardless of consequences, and on the other hand we may mellow it and sophisticate it to make it humane and tolerable.

Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must do it because Conscience tells him it is right.

It’s a good thing when you don’t dare do something if you don’t think it’s right. But it’s not good when you think something’s not right because you don’t dare do it.

One cannot always be a hero, but one can always be a man.

A cowardly act! What do I care about that? You may be sure that I should never fear to commit one if it were to my advantage.

Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act.

An injurious truth has no merit over an injurious lie. Neither should ever be uttered. The man who speaks an injurious truth, lest his soul be not saved if he do otherwise, should reflect that that sort of a soul is not strictly worth saving.

To those of you with your years of service still ahead, the challenge is yours. Stop doubting yourselves. Have the courage to make up your minds and hold your decisions. Refuse to be BOUGHT for a nickel, or a million dollars, or a job!

In case of doubt, decide in favor of what is correct.

Integrity means having the courage to do what is right, and what is aligned with your values, no matter the situation.

Always do what's right. That will gratify some and surprise the rest.

Ambition without principle never was long under the guidance of good sense.