Iain Banks Quotes

Every perfect action is accompanied by pleasure. By that you can tell what you ought to do.

Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.

There must be in prudence also some master virtue.

The primary use of knowledge is for such guidance of conduct under all circumstances as shall make living complete. All other uses of knowledge are secondary.

Knowing what is right does not make a sagacious man.

Saying the words that come from knowledge is no sign of having it.

must acknowledge, that to act properly is much more valuable than to think justly or reason acutely.

Head knowledge is worthless, unless accompanied by submission of the will and right action.

In a difficult situation one never-failing guide is to ask yourself: "What would Christ have done?" Then do it-as nearly as you can.

Wisdom is not just knowing fundamental truths, if these are unconnected with the guidance of life or with a perspective on its meaning. If the deep truths physicists describe about the origin and functioning of the universe have little practical import and do not change our picture of the meaning of the universe and our place within it, then knowing them would not count as wisdom.

Wisdom that don't make us happier ain't worth plowing for.

Our policy is, when in doubt, do the right thing.

Prudence is the virtue by which we discern what is proper to do under various circumstances in time and place.

It is better to do nothing Than to do what is wrong. For whatever you do, you do to yourself.

When I want to think about what would be the right thing to do, the fair thing to do, the wise thing to do, I can just think of my grandmother. I can always hear her say, "Now sister, you know what's right. Just do right!"

Let them not do the slightest thing that the wise would later reprove.

Prudence is not only the first in rank of the virtues political and moral, but she is the director and regulator, the standard of them all.

What is a good person? One who achieves tranquillity by having formed the habit of asking on every occasion, "what is the right thing to do now?"

We cannot freely and wisely choose the right way for ourselves unless we know both good and evil.

But it ain't our feelings we have to steer by through life--no, no, we'd make shipwreck mighty often if we did that. There's only the one safe compass and we've got to set our course by that--what it's right to do.

It is not enough to recognize what is right and true. One must control the impulse to do what is wrong and easy.

Let us be well persuaded that everyone of us possesses happiness in proportion to his virtue and wisdom, and according as he acts in obedience to their suggestion.

Doing what's right should be easy. It shouldn't be just another big mess like everything else.

If we hearken to counsel, we shall be the best people in the world; we shall be as a bright light set upon a hill, that cannot be hid, or like a candle upon a candlestick.

A man who knows all goods and all truths, as many as can be known, but does not shun evils, knows nothing.