Skip to content

Bears Quote by Robert Green Ingersoll

“I don't want to hurt people's feelings if I can help it. I don't want anyone unnecessarily humiliated, but I say whatever stands between you and justice must give way; and if you have to walk over reputations — and if they become pavement you cannot help it.” quote by Robert Green Ingersoll
Download Open image
“I don't want to hurt people's feelings if I can help it. I don't want anyone unnecessarily humiliated, but I say whatever stands between you and justice must give way; and if you have to walk over reputations — and if they become pavement you cannot help it.”

Robert Green Ingersoll

About This Quote

Source Speech: "On Justice and Reputation" by Robert Green Ingersoll, 1885

One must prioritize justice over protecting reputations, even if it causes discomfort.

In simple terms: Justice outweighs reputation concerns.

Key Takeaway

Stand for justice despite personal costs.

Themes

ethics justice integrity

Mood

serious reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal decisions
  • whistleblowing
  • public discourse
  • personal dilemmas

Key Concepts

moral philosophy social responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it acceptable to harm a reputation?
  • How to mitigate collateral damage?
A Different Perspective

Balancing truth with compassion can be challenging.

3.4 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Robert Green Ingersoll

Explore all 640 Robert Green Ingersoll quotes

More Bears quotes

Browse all 4,111 Bears quotes