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.”
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.
Stand for justice despite personal costs.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- whistleblowing
- public discourse
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to harm a reputation?
- How to mitigate collateral damage?
Balancing truth with compassion can be challenging.