Peter Medawar Quotes

None of my Governments seem to know what to do about them

Conscience has no more to do with gallantry than it has with politics.

But whether it be dream or truth, to do well is what matters. If it be truth, for truth's sake. If not, then to gain friends for the time when we awaken.

Falsehood and delusion are allowed in no case whatsoever. But, as in the exercise of all the virtues, there is an economy of truth.

Fundamentally all social and political questions are economic.

Politically, economically and philosophically the motive of self-interest not only is but must...and ought to be the mainspring of human conduct...

The moral foundations of a society do not extend only to its political system; they must extend to its economic system as well. America's commitment to capitalism is unquestionably the best example of this principle. Capitalism is not, contrary to what those on the left have tried to argue, an amoral system based on selfishness, greed, and exploitation. It is a moral system based on a biblical ethic. There is no other comparable system that has raised the standard of living of millions of people, created vast new wealth and resources, or inspired so many beneficial innovations and technologies. The wonderful thing about capitalism is that it does not discriminate against the poor, as so often has been charged; indeed, it is the only economic system that raises the poor out of poverty. Capitalism also allows nations that are not rich in natural resources to prosper.

I think that it is morally wrong to be an economic determinist.

It is sometimes necessary to lie damnably in the interest of the country.

I think whatever you have in your life, my opinion is that if you know that there's something wrong, you try to fix it.

There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us.

The way to good conduct is never too late.

Your life will never improve unless you start making daily improvements.

One cannot reach Truth by untruthfulness. Truthful conduct alone can reach truth.

Action is the only reality; not only reality, but morality as well.

Don't be content in your life just to do no wrong, be prepared every day to try and do some good.

Let us praise even the slightest improvement. That inspires the other person to keep on improving.

When one cultivates to the utmost the principles of his nature, and exercises them on the principle of reciprocity, he is not far from the path.

If you want anything to change, you've got to change it. If you want things to get better, you've got to get better. And the only way to really do well in life is to find more value than anybody.

You never stay the same. You either get better or you get worse.

If you don't like your situation in life, don't fret or worry--do something about it. Worry less, and act more.

Ethical inquiry has always been motivated by the aim of improving human conduct. It doesn't follow from that that the goal is to produce a complete rule book that would be applicable to all cases.

Change is inevitable, change for the better is a full-time job.

We are insane. That is what sin is. Sanctity is identitical with sanity. It means living the truth, living in reality. Sin always substitutes unreality for reality.

Jesus Christ can help us fix anything that needs fixing in our lives.