Dean Acheson Quotes

Human decency is not derived from religion. It precedes it.

Our moral, religious, and political traditions are united in their respect for the dignity of human life.

There are times … when every one of us must make a stand for human right and justice, or you never feel clean again.

If you ask anyone, what is morality based on? These are the two factors that always come out: One is reciprocity, … a sense of fairness, and the other one is empathy and compassion.

What is my religion? Simple. Kindness.

Everyone's values are defined by what they will tolerate when it is done to others.

For me, human rights simply endorse a view of life and a set of moral values that are perfectly clear to an eight-year-old child. A child knows what is fair and isn't fair, and justice derives from that knowledge.

I'm a humanist.

Mankind deserves sacrifice - but not of mankind.

Humanitarianism consists in never sacrificing a human being to a purpose.

Since its inception, our Nation has stood on the foundations of compassion and justice.

A policy which rules out and all moral purpose except national interest has a fatal lack of what is essential to enduring success.

The money changers have fled from their high seats in the temple of our civilization. We may now restore that temple to the ancient truths. The measure of the restoration lies in the extent to which we apply social values more noble than mere monetary profit.

I do not believe in a political strategy that does not have a moral foundation.

Seven social sins: politics without principles, wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, and worship without sacrifice.

The government may be made up of clever, sensible people. But if they do not believe in basic human values, the more clever or shrewd they are the greater the tragedy they will create.

It is only our humanity that can deliver us from the brutality of our achievements.

Kindness and compassion aren't political qualities even though they get politicized.

You never want to see people disrespect anything that stands for honor.

Humanity is more important to me than talent... if there's a choice to make, I'll go humanity over talent every time.

Without Virtue there can be no liberty

Love is the supreme value around which all moral values can be integrated into one ethical system valid for the whole of humanity.

It is fair to judge peoples by the rights they will sacrifice most for.

Peace is not to be purchased by the sacrifice of truth.

Renunciation is the very basis upon which ethics stands. There never was an ethical code preached which had not renunciation for its basis.