> Usually the pretense is dropped when the chance to advance self interest like money comes up
When money is also the means to survival, it warrants a little more nuance than to wholly dismiss someone compromising in some way in order to live to fight another day.
From my perspective, most people who "stand up for whats right" have enough money to do so.
> From my perspective, most people who "stand up for whats right" have enough money to do so.
Those with significant assets may be _less_ inclined to upset the current order; war resisters, peace activists, and protesters of all stripes are often not from the moneyed classes.
Values can be an excuse though. I know a guy who quits his job (or does something to get him fired) about every 9 - 18 months, and his reasons are always along the lines of "my boss was liar, and I can't compromise my values" when really I think he's some combination of lazy and/or afraid to assume any real responsibility at work.
In other words, "Putting your money where your mouth is."
Even though I don't necessarily agree with him, I see where he's coming from and I commend that he's actually willing to put his money where his mouth is on the matter.
If you truly have values, then your actions are aligned with, consistent with, and demonstrate your stated values.
It’s easy to talk about having values. Usually the pretense is dropped when the chance to advance self interest like money comes up.