LEV967 Ironically, when unethical behavior is motivated by our sense of righteousness, it can be very difficult to overcome. If a person is tempted to act unethically because of a tendency to acquisitiveness, he can usually keep it in check by reminding himself that he would do better to listen to the dictates of his conscience. But when even our conscience convinces us that [intended behavior] is unethical, what will keep our behavior under control? The key to overcoming this kind of temptation is to master our emotions. Do we really want to be subjugated to base emotions like anger and vengefulness? Even if your behavior could be justified, is [the contemplated behavior] worth the feeling that you have lowered yourself to exactly the level of behavior which you condemn? ... The best way to overcome the temptation to act unethically is to free ourselves from enslavement to anger, vindictiveness, and suspicion and conduct ourselves with generosity and dignity as befits free and noble human beings.