About this quote

The line forces a choice: ethics or easy gain, voice or silence. It pushes leaders and ordinary people to reject shortcuts that betray values and to act when injustice appears. Ask yourself if convenience is buying your quiet, then set clear boundaries and speak up when fairness is at stake.

When to use it

• A lawyer turns down a lucrative case because it would require lying or hiding the truth.
• A manager refuses a wealthy client's demand that would exploit workers and publicly explains the decision.
• A reporter declines a hush payment and publishes the facts about wrongdoing instead.
• When you see bullying at work, you step in or report it rather than ignore it for convenience.