Lao Tzu on virtue and expediency

When virtue is lost, benevolence appears. When benevolence is lost, right conduct appears. When right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.

~ Lao Tzu, 6th century BC poet and father of Taoism

Edmund Burke on the threat to liberty

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts. 

~ Edmund Burke