Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this.

Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (1847), ch. 27

What it means

Jane says this while choosing to leave the man she loves rather than break her principles. Values cost nothing until they are tested. Hold them when it is hard.

The source

"Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this." Charlotte Brontë said it in Jane Eyre (1847), ch. 27. Written in English: Jane Eyre, 1847.

"Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this"

Original English (Jane Eyre, 1847), Jane Eyre (1847), ch. 27. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855). English novelist from Yorkshire. Jane Eyre (1847) follows an orphan governess who will not give up her freedom or her principles.

Questions

What does "Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this." mean?: Jane says this while choosing to leave the man she loves rather than break her principles. Values cost nothing until they are tested. Hold them when it is hard.
Who said "Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this."?: Charlotte Brontë (1816–1855). Source: Jane Eyre (1847), ch. 27.
What is the original wording?: Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this (Original English (Jane Eyre, 1847)). Written in English: Jane Eyre, 1847.
Is "Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this." on a shirt?: Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Cite this line

"Principles are not for easy times. They are for moments like this." (Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (1847), ch. 27, trans. Original English (Jane Eyre, 1847)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/principles-are-not-for-easy-times-they-are