George Soros Quotes

Principles do not mainly influence even the principled; we talk on principle, but we act on interest.

Beyond all our actions stands the larger shadow: How are we to choose between what we have been taught to think right and something else which manifestly succeeds?

If vices were profitable, the virtuous man would be the sinner.

That's the problem with having a moral code. We want to destroy the jerkish part of the jerks, but we want to save the human being underneath.

As far as the stars are from the earth, and as different as fire is from water, so much do self-interest and integrity differ.

Her lord father had taught her never to steal, but it was growing harder to remember why.

The difficulty is to know conscience from self-interest.

One’s concern with the ethics of means and ends varies inversely with one’s personal interest in the issue.

Ferris: Are you going to be as impractical as that? Rearden: The evaluation of an action as practical, Dr. Ferris, depends on what it is that one wishes to practice. Ferris: Haven't you always placed your self-interest above all else? Rearden: That is what I am doing right now.

Of course I want to be good, but that may not be to your advantage.

Do not confuse your vested interests with ethics. Do not identify the enemies of your privilege with the enemies of humanity.

Interest has the security, though not the virtue of a principle. As the world goes, it is the surest side; for men daily leave both relations and religion to follow it.

Bad people doing bad things is not interesting. What I find interesting is good people doing bad things.

Even wisdom has to yield to self-interest.

Know the difference between principles based on right or wrong vs. principles based on personal gain, and consider the basis of your own principles.

Each man seeks his own interest, not the general interest. Let his own selfish interests be touched, and all concord is at an end.

Everybody is grappling with their own moral compass, and that needle, like any needle, can't just stick. It's always floating a little bit, and depending on where you're standing, it's hard to read.

What's stronger-the need to uphold the law, or the motive to turn one's back on it?

Sometimes you're going to be faced with situations where the line isn't clear between what's right and what's wrong.Your heart will tell you to do one thing and your brain will tell you to do something different. In the end, all that's left is to look at both sides and go with your best judgment.

Every time I tried to express my most heartfelt desires to be morally good I met with contempt and ridicule; and as soon as I would give in to vile passions I was praised and encouraged. Ambition, love of power, self-interest, lechery, pride, anger, vengeance-all of it was highly esteemed.

Satan doesn't mind you using your strengths, so long as you do it for personal benefits.

That which is selfish is immoral, and that which is unselfish is moral.

As to the permanent interest of individuals in the aggregated interests of the community, and in the proverbial maxim, that honesty is the best policy, present temptation is often found to be an overmatch for those considerations.

I have just been through the process of killing a cistudo for the sake of science; but I cannot excuse myself for this murder, and see that such actions are inconsistent with the poetic perception, however they may serve science, and will affect the quality of my observations. I pray that I may walk more innocently and serenely through nature. No reasoning whatever reconciles me to this act. It affects my day injuriously. I have lost some self-respect. I have a murderer's experience to a degree.

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.