Skip to content

In vain we call old notions fudge, And bend our conscience…

“In vain we call old notions fudge, And bend our conscience to our dealing; The Ten Commandments will not budge, And stealing will continue stealing.” quote by James Russell Lowell
Download Open image
“In vain we call old notions fudge, And bend our conscience to our dealing; The Ten Commandments will not budge, And stealing will continue stealing.”

James Russell Lowell

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Old moral codes are ignored when personal gain is prioritized, showing hypocrisy in ethics.

In simple terms: People ignore rules for self‑interest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize when convenience overrides conscience.

Themes

hypocrisy ethics morality

Mood

reflective critical

Type

philosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • political negotiations
  • personal relationships
  • legal compliance

Key Concepts

social contract personal gain

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you compromise principles for convenience?
  • How does society enforce ethical standards?
A Different Perspective

Moral standards often clash with self‑interest, creating conflict.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by James Russell Lowell

Explore all 471 James Russell Lowell quotes

More Commandments quotes

Browse all 726 Commandments quotes