Estates Quote by John Peter Altgeld
“Justice, not expedience, must be the guiding light. The orator must fix his eye on the polestar of justice, and plough straight thither. The moment he glances toward expediency, he falls from his high estate.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Address, 1894
He argues justice should guide actions, not expediency, urging steadfast moral focus.
In simple terms: Justice over convenience guides right actions.
Prioritize justice above short‑term gains.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legislative decisions
- judicial rulings
- public policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you chosen justice over convenience?
- What costs arise from this choice?
Expediency often feels easier.