William Barclay Quotes

We tend to think that people are more to blame for their acts than for their omissions.

It is not only for what we do that we are held responsible, but also for what we do not do.

But I felt all the more bound to make this proposal, because it at once turns to a reproach.

It is easy to dodge our responsibilities, but we cannot dodge the consequences of dodging our responsibilities.

My doctrine is this, that if we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers in the guilt.

What do you expect me to do about it?

It is easy to ignore responsibility when one is only an intermediate link in a chain of action.

It's hard to determine where lies culpability.

A wrongdoer is often a man who has left something undone, not always one who has done something.

I want to know what he did and who he failed.

Capt. Gordon is as responsible for the death of those on the Erie. As if he had taken the life of each by his own hand. For once, when no doubt exists as to guilt, a terrible example should be made.

Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted, the indifference of those who should have known better, the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most, that has made it possible for evil to triumph.

You should be held accountable for your actions.

I don't think I was ever responsible for anything being canceled.

We are not only responsible for what we do but also for what we do not do.

No one will be hurt if I don't come to conventions.

When one does nothing, one believes oneself responsible for everything.

Idiots are not responsible for what they do. The real guilt falls on rational people who sit on their hands while morons run wild. You can opt out if you want to. Play it safe. But if you do, don't complain when the roof comes down.

The wrongdoer is often the person who left something undone, rather than the person who has done something

Every duty we omit obscures some truth we should have known.

A weakened sense of responsibility does not weaken the fact of responsibility.

The futility of action does not absolve one from the failure to act. -

The sense of duty pursues us ever.

Indifference and inaction must always pay a penalty.

Truth to tell, we are all criminals if we remain silent.