You can't learn too soon that the most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency. - W. Somerset Maugham
Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? Expediency asks the question - is it political? But conscience asks the question - is it right? There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, popular, or political; but because it is right.
Justice is a contract of expediency, entered upon to prevent men harming or being harmed. - Epicurus
Nothing is gained, everything is lost, by subordinating principle to expediency. - William Lloyd Garrison
The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency. - W. Somerset Maugham
No man is justified in doing evil on the ground of expediency. - Theodore Roosevelt
It is a rather lamentable fact that few can call upon courage with the expediency they can fear. - Gitty Daneshvari
Out of ignorance or expediency we give all snowflakes the same name. - Marty Rubin
Where principle is involved, be deaf to expediency.
Cowardice asks: Is it safe? Expediency asks: Is it politic? But Conscience asks: Is it right? - William Punshon