Sam Smith

“But isn’t it remarkable that, given the chance for personal gain at the cost of others, so many people choose what is right?” “Because they fear the Almighty.” “No,” Jasnah said. “I think something innate in us understands that seeking the good of society is usually best for the individual as well. Humankind is noble, when we give it the chance to be. That nobility is something that exists independent of any god’s decree.”
― Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings

“The golden rule is not a rule of logic. It is not a form of logical reasoning, but rather it determines the logic of value selection, something that does not usually fall under the purview of traditional logic.”
― Rami M. Shapiro, The Golden Rule and the Games People Play: The Ultimate Strategy for a Meaning-Filled Life

“Journey before destination," Dalinar said. "It cannot be a journey if it doesn't have a beginning."
A thunderclap sounded in his mind. Suddenly, awareness poured back into him. The Stormfather, distant, feeling frightened-but also surprised.
Dalinar?
"I will take responsibility for what I have done." Dalinar whispered. "If I must fall, I will rise each time a better man.”
― Brandon Sanderson, Oathbringer

“It is one of those things not easily accounted for, that men who would scorn to do an injustice to a fellow man, in a private transaction, — who would scorn to usurp any arbitrary dominion over him, or his property, — who would be in the highest degree indignant, if charged with any private injustice, — and who, at a moment’s warning, would take their lives in their hands, to defend their own rights, and redress their own wrongs, — will, the moment they become members of what they call a government, assume that they are absolved from all principles and all obligations that were imperative upon them, as individuals; will assume that they are invested with a right of arbitrary and irresponsible dominion over other men, and other men’s property.”
― Lysander Spooner