Excellent collection of quotes and sayings by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen.

Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

All my sermons are prepared in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. As recreation is most pleasant and profitable in the sun, so homiletic creativity is best nourished before the Eucharist. The most brilliant ideas come from meeting God face to face. The Holy Spirit that presided at the Incarnation is the best atmosphere for illumination. Pope John Paul II keeps a small desk or writing pad near him whenever he is in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; and I have done this all my life — I am sure for the same reason he does, because a lover always works better when the beloved is with him. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

You must remember to love people and use things, rather than to love things and use people. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

It is easy to find truth; it is hard to face it, and harder still to follow it. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Our brains today are big enough. Could it be that our hearts are too small? ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Some will not look on suffering because it creates responsibility. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Show me your hands. Do they have scars from giving? Show me your feet. Are they wounded in service? Show me your heart. Have you left a place for divine love? ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Another instance of how our Lord associated Peter with himself was in the payment of the temple tax. It is the only time in scripture where God ever associates a human being with himself under the personal pronoun we…. Now at the time of the payment of the temple tax our blessed Lord told Peter to pay it, and he said to pay it “for me and thee.” Then he adds, “that we may not scandalize.” Here he makes himself one with Peter. Peter is associated with the Master in a way that no one else can ever be associated. We — Christ and Peter. That is why papal encyclicals begin with the word we. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble man his blessings. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Pride is an admission of weakness; it secretly fears all competition and dreads all rivals. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Life is like a cash register, in that every account, every thought, every deed, like every sale, is registered and recorded. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Love is a mutual self-giving which ends in self-recovery. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

If there is continuity in the universe, it is fitting that there should be intelligent beings without bodies which are called angels. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

There are not a hundred people in America who hate the Catholic Church. There are millions of people who hate what they wrongly believe to be the Catholic Church — which is, of course, quite a different thing. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Too many people get credit for being good, when they are only being passive. They are too often praised for being broadminded when they are so broadminded they can never make up their minds about anything. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Communism is the final logic of the dehumanization of man. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

There are angels near you to guide you and protect you, if you would but invoke them. It is not later than we think, it is a bigger world than we think. ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Analyzing “Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong.” ~Archbishop Fulton John Sheen

Simple Explanation

Quick Insights

• The quote emphasizes the importance of objective truth and morality.
• “Right is right” suggests that truth stands on its own, regardless of popular opinion.
• “If nobody is right” implies that truth remains valid even if no one acknowledges it.
• “Wrong is wrong” indicates that falsehoods and immoral actions are inherently incorrect.
• “If everybody is wrong” means that widespread belief in something incorrect does not make it right.
• The quote encourages critical thinking and adherence to principles over conformity.

Thorough Examination

The quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, “Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong,” is a profound statement about the nature of truth and morality. At its core, the quote asserts that truth and morality are objective, meaning they exist independently of what people believe or do not believe. This idea is fundamental to many philosophical and ethical frameworks, which hold that certain principles are universally valid, regardless of cultural, historical, or personal perspectives.

To break down the first part of the quote, “Right is right if nobody is right,” we can interpret it as a statement about the enduring nature of truth. The phrase suggests that the correctness of an idea or action is not dependent on whether anyone recognizes or agrees with it. This is a powerful concept because it reminds us that truth is not a matter of consensus or popularity. Even if everyone in the world were to disagree with a particular truth, it would still remain true. This perspective encourages us to seek out and uphold truth, even when it is unpopular or goes against prevailing opinions.

The phrase “if nobody is right” can also be seen as a commentary on the fallibility of human judgment. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances where widely held beliefs were later proven to be false. For example, before the scientific revolution, many people believed that the Earth was the center of the universe. This belief was widely accepted and supported by the religious and intellectual authorities of the time. However, despite its widespread acceptance, this belief was ultimately shown to be incorrect. The quote reminds us that just because an idea is popular or widely accepted does not mean it is true.

In the second part of the quote, “Wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong,” Archbishop Sheen addresses the flip side of the same coin. Just as truth remains true regardless of popular opinion, falsehoods and immoral actions remain wrong, even if everyone believes them to be right. This part of the quote underscores the importance of critical thinking and moral discernment. It encourages us to question prevailing norms and to evaluate actions and beliefs based on their inherent merit, rather than their popularity.

The phrase “if everybody is wrong” serves as a caution against the dangers of groupthink and conformity. Groupthink occurs when a group of people prioritize harmony and consensus over critical evaluation of different viewpoints. This can lead to poor decision-making and the suppression of dissenting opinions. The quote reminds us that just because a large number of people believe something does not make it right. It is crucial to maintain a critical perspective and to evaluate ideas and actions based on their alignment with objective truth and moral principles.

The quote also has implications for personal integrity and ethical behavior. It suggests that individuals should strive to act in accordance with their principles, even when doing so is unpopular or goes against the prevailing norms. This can be challenging, as it often requires courage and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd. However, the quote reminds us that adhering to our principles is ultimately more important than conforming to popular opinion.

In a broader sense, the quote can be seen as a call to intellectual humility. It acknowledges that human beings are fallible and that our understanding of the world is imperfect. This recognition of our limitations should inspire us to approach truth-seeking with humility and open-mindedness. It should also motivate us to engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection, as we strive to deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it.

The quote’s emphasis on objective truth and morality also has implications for societal norms and institutions. It suggests that laws, policies, and cultural practices should be based on principles that are universally valid, rather than on the shifting sands of popular opinion. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s world, where information is readily available, and opinions can spread rapidly through social media and other digital platforms. The quote reminds us of the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and of upholding ethical standards, even in the face of conflicting information and opinions.

Moreover, the quote can be applied to various aspects of personal and professional life. In the workplace, for example, it encourages leaders and employees to make decisions based on objective criteria, rather than on personal biases or groupthink. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and better outcomes for the organization. Similarly, in personal relationships, the quote reminds us to communicate honestly and to act with integrity, even when doing so is difficult.

The quote’s message about the enduring nature of truth and morality is also relevant to the pursuit of knowledge and education. It suggests that the goal of learning is not merely to accumulate information but to develop a deep understanding of fundamental principles. This perspective encourages students and scholars to engage in critical thinking and to evaluate ideas based on their merit, rather than their popularity. It also underscores the importance of intellectual integrity and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of opposition or skepticism.

In the realm of ethics and philosophy, the quote aligns with various theories that emphasize the objective nature of truth and morality. For example, deontological ethics, as proposed by Immanuel Kant, holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. The quote’s emphasis on the enduring nature of truth and morality is consistent with this perspective, as it suggests that certain principles are universally valid and should be upheld, even when doing so is unpopular.

Ultimately, the quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking truth and acting with integrity. It encourages us to question prevailing norms, to engage in critical thinking, and to adhere to our principles, even in the face of opposition. By doing so, we can contribute to a more just and ethical society, where truth and morality are valued above popularity and conformity.

Logical Analysis

Quick Insights

• The quote can be analyzed through logical principles and ethical theories.
• It implies a form of moral absolutism, where actions are inherently right or wrong.
• The phrase “if nobody is right” suggests a logical independence of truth from belief.
• “If everybody is wrong” highlights the logical fallacy of appealing to popularity.
• The quote aligns with deontological ethics, which focuses on rules and duties.
• It also relates to the concept of objective moral truths in philosophy.

Thorough Examination

The quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, “Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong,” invites a logical analysis that delves into the principles of ethics and philosophy. By examining the quote through a logical lens, we can better understand its implications for moral reasoning and ethical decision-making.

The first part of the quote, “Right is right if nobody is right,” can be analyzed using the principles of logical independence. In logic, a statement is considered independent if its truth value does not depend on other statements or beliefs. The phrase suggests that the truth of a moral principle or action is independent of whether anyone believes it to be true. This aligns with the concept of objective moral truths, which hold that certain moral principles are universally valid, regardless of cultural or personal perspectives.

The phrase “if nobody is right” also touches on the logical fallacy of argumentum ad populum, or the appeal to popularity. This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a belief or action is true or right simply because it is widely held or practiced. The quote reminds us that the popularity of a belief does not determine its truth value. For example, throughout history, many widely held beliefs, such as the flat Earth theory, have been proven false despite their popularity. The quote encourages us to evaluate beliefs and actions based on their logical coherence and alignment with objective principles, rather than their popularity.

In the second part of the quote, “Wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong,” Archbishop Sheen addresses the logical consistency of moral judgments. The phrase suggests that the wrongness of an action is not mitigated by the number of people who engage in it or believe it to be right. This aligns with the ethical theory of deontological ethics, which holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. For example, lying is considered wrong in deontological ethics, even if it leads to a desirable outcome. The quote reminds us that moral judgments should be based on the inherent nature of actions, rather than their popularity or consequences.

The phrase “if everybody is wrong” also highlights the logical fallacy of argumentum ad numerum, or the appeal to numbers. This fallacy occurs when someone argues that a belief or action is true or right simply because a large number of people hold or practice it. The quote reminds us that the number of people who believe something does not determine its truth value. For example, in the past, many people believed that the sun revolved around the Earth. Despite the large number of people who held this belief, it was ultimately proven false. The quote encourages us to evaluate beliefs and actions based on their logical coherence and alignment with objective principles, rather than the number of people who hold them.

The quote’s emphasis on the logical independence of truth and morality also has implications for ethical decision-making. It suggests that individuals should strive to make decisions based on objective principles, rather than on personal biases or groupthink. This can be challenging, as it often requires a willingness to stand apart from the crowd and to act in accordance with one’s principles, even when doing so is unpopular. However, the quote reminds us that adhering to our principles is ultimately more important than conforming to popular opinion.

In a broader sense, the quote can be seen as a call to logical rigor and intellectual honesty. It acknowledges that human beings are fallible and that our understanding of the world is imperfect. This recognition of our limitations should inspire us to approach truth-seeking with humility and open-mindedness. It should also motivate us to engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection, as we strive to deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it.

The quote’s emphasis on objective moral truths also has implications for societal norms and institutions. It suggests that laws, policies, and cultural practices should be based on principles that are universally valid, rather than on the shifting sands of popular opinion. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s world, where information is readily available, and opinions can spread rapidly through social media and other digital platforms. The quote reminds us of the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and of upholding ethical standards, even in the face of conflicting information and opinions.

Moreover, the quote can be applied to various aspects of personal and professional life. In the workplace, for example, it encourages leaders and employees to make decisions based on objective criteria, rather than on personal biases or groupthink. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and better outcomes for the organization. Similarly, in personal relationships, the quote reminds us to communicate honestly and to act with integrity, even when doing so is difficult.

The quote’s message about the logical independence of truth and morality is also relevant to the pursuit of knowledge and education. It suggests that the goal of learning is not merely to accumulate information but to develop a deep understanding of fundamental principles. This perspective encourages students and scholars to engage in critical thinking and to evaluate ideas based on their merit, rather than their popularity. It also underscores the importance of intellectual integrity and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of opposition or skepticism.

In the realm of ethics and philosophy, the quote aligns with various theories that emphasize the objective nature of truth and morality. For example, deontological ethics, as proposed by Immanuel Kant, holds that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. The quote’s emphasis on the logical independence of truth and morality is consistent with this perspective, as it suggests that certain principles are universally valid and should be upheld, even when doing so is unpopular.

The quote also relates to the concept of moral absolutism, which holds that certain actions are always right or wrong, regardless of the context or consequences. This perspective is often contrasted with moral relativism, which holds that moral judgments are relative to cultural, historical, or personal perspectives. The quote’s emphasis on the objective nature of truth and morality aligns with moral absolutism, as it suggests that certain principles are universally valid and should be upheld, even when doing so is unpopular.

Ultimately, the quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen serves as a reminder of the importance of logical rigor and ethical decision-making. It encourages us to question prevailing norms, to engage in critical thinking, and to adhere to our principles, even in the face of opposition. By doing so, we can contribute to a more just and ethical society, where truth and morality are valued above popularity and conformity.

Practical Applications

Quick Insights

• The quote has practical implications for personal integrity and ethical behavior.
• It encourages standing up for principles, even when unpopular.
• In the workplace, it promotes decision-making based on objective criteria.
• In education, it emphasizes the pursuit of truth and critical thinking.
• It reminds leaders to act with integrity and to resist groupthink.
• The quote is relevant to policy-making and the establishment of just laws.

Thorough Examination

The quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen, “Right is right if nobody is right, and wrong is wrong if everybody is wrong,” offers practical applications that can guide our actions and decisions in various aspects of life. By exploring these applications, we can better understand how to integrate the quote’s message into our daily lives and professional endeavors.

In the realm of personal integrity and ethical behavior, the quote serves as a powerful reminder to stand up for our principles, even when doing so is unpopular. It encourages us to act in accordance with our values and to resist the temptation to conform to popular opinion or groupthink. This can be challenging, as it often requires courage and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd. However, the quote reminds us that adhering to our principles is ultimately more important than conforming to popular opinion.

For example, consider a situation where a group of friends is engaging in an activity that you believe to be wrong or unethical. The quote encourages you to stand up for your principles and to voice your concerns, even if it means risking social disapproval. By doing so, you demonstrate personal integrity and a commitment to ethical behavior. This can inspire others to do the same and contribute to a more just and ethical society.

In the workplace, the quote has practical applications for decision-making and leadership. It encourages leaders and employees to make decisions based on objective criteria, rather than on personal biases or groupthink. This can lead to more effective problem-solving and better outcomes for the organization. For example, when evaluating a new business strategy, it is important to consider its merits and potential impacts, rather than simply following the prevailing opinion or the preferences of influential stakeholders.

The quote also reminds leaders to act with integrity and to resist the temptation to compromise their principles for short-term gains or popularity. For instance, a leader might be pressured to make a decision that is expedient but ethically questionable. The quote encourages the leader to stand firm in their principles and to make decisions that are aligned with objective moral standards, even if it means risking unpopularity or criticism.

In the field of education, the quote has practical applications for the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking. It suggests that the goal of learning is not merely to accumulate information but to develop a deep understanding of fundamental principles. This perspective encourages students and scholars to engage in critical thinking and to evaluate ideas based on their merit, rather than their popularity. It also underscores the importance of intellectual integrity and the pursuit of truth, even in the face of opposition or skepticism.

For example, a student might encounter a widely held belief or theory that they find questionable. The quote encourages the student to critically evaluate the belief and to seek out evidence and arguments that support or refute it. By doing so, the student demonstrates intellectual integrity and a commitment to the pursuit of truth. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

The quote also has practical applications for policy-making and the establishment of just laws. It suggests that laws and policies should be based on principles that are universally valid, rather than on the shifting sands of popular opinion. This perspective is particularly relevant in today’s world, where information is readily available, and opinions can spread rapidly through social media and other digital platforms. The quote reminds us of the importance of discerning truth from falsehood and of upholding ethical standards, even in the face of conflicting information and opinions.

For instance, a policy-maker might be faced with a decision that is popular but ethically questionable. The quote encourages the policy-maker to evaluate the decision based on its alignment with objective moral principles, rather than its popularity. By doing so, the policy-maker can contribute to the establishment of just laws and policies that promote the well-being of society.

Moreover, the quote has practical applications for personal relationships and communication. It reminds us to communicate honestly and to act with integrity, even when doing so is difficult. For example, a friend might ask for your opinion on a sensitive matter. The quote encourages you to provide an honest and thoughtful response, even if it means risking disagreement or disapproval. By doing so, you demonstrate personal integrity and a commitment to ethical behavior.

The quote also has practical applications for community involvement and social activism. It encourages individuals to stand up for their principles and to advocate for just causes, even when doing so is unpopular or risky. For instance, a community member might witness an injustice or inequity in their neighborhood. The quote encourages the individual to speak out and to take action to address the issue, even if it means risking social disapproval or retaliation.

In the realm of ethics and philosophy, the quote has practical applications for moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. It aligns with various theories that emphasize the objective nature of truth and morality, such as deontological ethics and moral absolutism. These theories hold that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences or the prevailing opinions of society. The quote encourages us to evaluate our actions and decisions based on their alignment with objective moral principles, rather than their popularity or expediency.

For example, a person might be faced with a moral dilemma, such as whether to tell the truth or to lie to avoid harm. The quote encourages the person to evaluate the dilemma based on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the actions, rather than their consequences. By doing so, the person demonstrates a commitment to ethical behavior and personal integrity.

The quote also has practical applications for personal growth and self-reflection. It reminds us that human beings are fallible and that our understanding of the world is imperfect. This recognition of our limitations should inspire us to approach truth-seeking with humility and open-mindedness. It should also motivate us to engage in ongoing learning and self-reflection, as we strive to deepen our understanding of the world and our place in it.

For instance, a person might encounter a new idea or perspective that challenges their existing beliefs. The quote encourages the person to approach the new idea with an open mind and to critically evaluate its merits, rather than dismissing it out of hand. By doing so, the person demonstrates intellectual humility and a commitment to the pursuit of truth.

In the realm of professional ethics, the quote has practical applications for various fields, such as medicine, law, and journalism. It encourages professionals to adhere to ethical standards and to act with integrity, even when doing so is challenging or unpopular. For example, a journalist might be pressured to report a story in a way that is sensationalized or biased. The quote encourages the journalist to adhere to ethical standards and to report the story accurately and fairly, even if it means risking criticism or disapproval.

The quote also has practical applications for organizational culture and leadership. It encourages leaders to foster a culture of integrity and ethical behavior within their organizations. This can be achieved by establishing clear ethical standards, promoting open communication, and encouraging employees to act with integrity, even when doing so is challenging or unpopular. By doing so, leaders can contribute to the creation of a more just and ethical society.

In the realm of social justice and activism, the quote has practical applications for advocating for just causes and challenging systemic injustices. It encourages individuals to stand up for their principles and to advocate for change, even when doing so is unpopular or risky. For example, an activist might be advocating for a cause that is unpopular or controversial. The quote encourages the activist to persist in their efforts and to advocate for change, even in the face of opposition or criticism.

Ultimately, the quote by Archbishop Fulton John Sheen serves as a reminder of the importance of personal integrity, ethical behavior, and the pursuit of truth. It encourages us to stand up for our principles, to act with integrity, and to evaluate our actions and decisions based on their alignment with objective moral principles. By doing so, we can contribute to a more just and ethical society, where truth and morality are valued above popularity and conformity.