Topic: Morality, Matches 55 quotes.

Freedom as a Postulate of Morality

All the teachings and precepts of ethics, whether based upon a religious creed or whether based upon a secular doctrine like that of the Stoic philosophers, presuppose this moral autonomy of the individual and therefore appeal to the individual’s conscience. They presuppose that the individual is free to choose among various modes of conduct and require him to behave in compliance with definite rules, the rules of morality. Do the right things, shun the bad things.

It is obvious that the exhortations and admonishments of morality make sense only when addressing individuals who are free agents. They are vain when directed to slaves. It is useless to tell a bondsman what is morally good and what is morally bad. He is not free to determine his comportment; he is forced to obey the orders of his master. It is difficult to blame him if he prefers yielding to the commands of his master to the most cruel punishment threatening not only him but also the members of his family.

This is why freedom is not only a political postulate, but no less a postulate of every religious or secular morality.

Source: Ludwig von Mises
The Economic Foundations of Freedom
The Freeman, April 1960

Topics: Compulsion; Freedom; Morality

The Law and Morals

You say: “Here are persons who are lacking in morality or religion,“and you turn to the law. But law is force. And need I point out what a violent and futile effort it is to use force in the matters of morality and religion?

It would seem that socialists, however self-complacent, could not avoid seeing this monstrous legal plunder that results from such systems and such efforts. But what do the socialists do? They cleverly disguise this legal plunder from others-and even from themselves-under the seductive names of fraternity, unity, organization, and association. Because we ask so little from the law-only justice-the socialists thereby assume that we reject fraternity, unity, organization, and association. The socialists brand us with the name individualist.

But we assure the socialists that we repudiate only forced organization, not natural organization. We repudiate the forms of association that are forced upon us, not free association. We repudiate forced fraternity, not true fraternity. We repudiate the artificial unity that does nothing more than deprive persons of individual responsibility. We do not repudiate the natural unity of mankind under Providence.

Source: Frederic Bastiat
The Law

Topics: Law; Morality

The Test of Right or Wrong.

Are there not, in reality, underlying, universal principles with reference to which all issues must be resolved whether the society be simple or complex in its mechanical organization? It seems to me we could relieve ourselves of most of the bewilderment which so unsettles and distracts us by subjecting each situation to the simple test of right and wrong. Right and wrong as moral principles do not change. They are applicable and reliable determinants whether the situations with which we deal are simple or complicated. There is always a right and a wrong to every question which requires our solution. . . .

We cannot well lay claim to being a grown-up, mature, civilized people until we have come to the point where morality is the determinant, and we ask simply what is, in good conscience, right. The conclusion seems inescapable that the confusion and distraction and conflicts and antagonisms and uncertainties and bewilderment which plague the world today present mankind with what is at bottom a purely moral issue — the issue between right and wrong. That, then, should be the final test of the propriety of all courses of action.

Source: Jerreld L. Newquist
Prophets, Principles, and National Survival

Topics: Morality

I have ever cherished the same spirit with all nations, from a consciousness that peace, prosperity, liberty and morals have an intimate connection.

Source: Thomas Jefferson to George Logan, 1813. ME 13:384

Topics: Morality; Peace

Whether we recognize it or not, it is beliefs—the beliefs that get themselves accepted—that rule the world. Those beliefs may exalt a nation or drag it down to degeneracy and degradation depending upon their inherent quality. Ships and tanks and airplanes and guns, while necessary implements for waging physical warfare, are not the real source of a nation’s strength. Its strength lies in the basic integrity of its people and that depends upon the beliefs they cherish which fashion their lives.

Source: Albert E. Bowen
General Conference, October 1945

Topics: Morality

There is no other platform that any government can stand upon and endure, but the platform of truth and virtue.

Source: Brigham Young
Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe
(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1941), p. 355

Topics: Government; Morality

The founding fathers understood that principle “righteousness exalteth a nation” (Proverbs 14:34) and helped to bring about one of the greatest systems ever used to govern men. But unless we continue to seek righteousness and preserve the liberties entrusted to us, we shall lose the blessings of heaven. Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” The price of freedom is also to live in accordance with the commandments of God. The early founding fathers thanked the Lord for His intervention in their behalf. They saw His hand in their victories in battle and believed strongly that He watched over them.

The battles are not over yet, and there will yet be times when this great nation will need the overshadowing help of Deity. Will we as a nation be worthy to call upon Him for help? President Brigham Young said: “We all believe that the Lord will fight our battles; but how? Will he do it while we are unconcerned and make no effort whatever for our own safety when the enemy is upon us ? . . . The Lord requires us to be quite as willing to fight our own battles as to have Him fight them for us. If we are not ready for the enemy when he comes upon us, we have not lived up to the requirements of Him who guides the ship of Zion, or who dictates the affairs of the Kingdom.” (Journal of Discourses, 11:131.)

Source: President Ezra Taft Benson
“Righteousness Exalteth a Nation”
Address given 29 June 1986.

Topics: Morality

To restore freedom, we must reclaim the moral initiative. We must reconsecrate respect for justice as applicable to the individual, not the collective. We must hold as sacrosanct our right to earn and hold property, to direct its use, and to wield it as a shield against malefactors. We must proclaim our right as free, autonomous, and sovereign individuals to do what we want, say what we will, and build our lives without the permission, sanction, or approval of any group. We should and must never be punished for the transgressions of others.

Source: Russell Madden
Punishing the Many, Ideas on Liberty, June 2000.

Topics: Morality; Private Property; Rights

Since the founding of the Republic the roots of our nation have drawn nurture from the waters of faith in God. “In God we trust” is the motto that appears on our money. As we face into the third century of our national life, it is time that we renewed our spiritual anchors. “Look to God and live,” said an ancient prophet. As it was then, so it is today. “God Bless America” is the song we sing with reverence and pleading. Those blessings will come only as we deserve them. The inspired men who wrote our Constitution were raised up by the God of heaven “unto this very purpose.” Can we expect peace and prosperity, harmony and goodwill while turning our backs on the source of our strength?

George Washington in his farewell address declared:

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness—these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.

The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them . . . .

It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. This rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free government. (Quoted by J. Reuben Clark in Stand Fast By Our Constitution [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1973], p. 27.)

Source: President Gordon B. Hinckley
Address given 26 June 1988 at the Freedom Festival at Provo, UT.

Topics: Government, Good; Morality

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