It is chiefly through books that we enjoy intercourse with superior minds. In the best books, great men talk to us, give us their most precious thoughts, and pour their souls into ours.
William Ellery ChanningRead
It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass any object however great.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Maintaining a clear conscience is more valuable than achieving any significant goal.
In this quote, William Ellery Channing emphasizes the significance of integrity and moral clarity over the pursuit of success or great achievements. He suggests that the state of one's conscience is a fundamental value that should not be compromised for the sake of any material or worldly accomplishment, highlighting the importance of ethical principles in one's life choices.
Themes
ConscienceIntegrityMoralityValuesSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on ethical leadership, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of integrity in decision-making.
More from William Ellery Channing
All quotes →No power in society, no hardship in your condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent.
William Ellery ChanningRead
I laugh, for hope hath a happy place with me; If my boat sinks, 'tis to another sea.
William Ellery ChanningRead
We smile at the ignorance of the savage who cuts down the tree in order to reach its fruit; but the same blunder is made by every person who is over eager and impatient in the pursuit of pleasure.
William Ellery ChanningRead
Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.
William Ellery ChanningRead
He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.
William Ellery ChanningRead
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