Famous quote by William Penn

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Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it
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"Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it"

- William Penn

About this Quote

Moral integrity exists independent of popular opinion or social consensus. What is right maintains its inherent value, regardless of whether others accept, reject, or even actively oppose it. Conversely, what is wrong carries that ethical failing no matter how many people support or endorse it. The statement compels one to step away from the comforts of conformity and consider that justice and virtue are not democratic—truth does not adjust itself to the prevailing mood or beliefs of the majority.

The pressure to align oneself with group norms can be daunting. Social acceptance often influences perceptions of morality, tempting individuals to rationalize collective wrongdoing or, conversely, denounce a solitary act of righteousness simply because it is unpopular. This assertion undermines such tendencies, warning against the slippery slope where morality becomes subject to popularity rather than principle. Courage is required to uphold what is right amid opposition, to resist temptation, and not to submit to wrongful ideas or actions even when they are widely celebrated or normalized.

History is replete with examples of individuals and groups who acted justly, at great personal cost, while facing overwhelming majority disapproval—abolitionists standing against slavery, dissenters opposing totalitarian regimes, and countless others who refused to participate in or endorse the wrong deeds of their time. Their bravery underscores the enduring truth that right and wrong do not shift with the tides of public opinion.

Ultimately, the statement insists on a steadfast loyalty to one’s conscience and fundamental moral principles, above the allure of acceptance or fear of exclusion. It is an invitation to engage in honest self-examination, ensuring that actions and beliefs are guided not by expediency or consensus, but by a clear apprehension of justice and truth. Such a stance—unwavering in the face of isolation—fosters genuine progress and the evolution of more just and ethical societies.

About the Author

William Penn This quote is written / told by William Penn between October 14, 1644 and July 30, 1718. He was a famous Leader from England. The author also have 41 other quotes.

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