"High ideals" refers to a strong set of beliefs or values that are considered morally or ethically excellent. It implies aspiring to admirable principles or goals and striving for excellence in one's thoughts, actions, or intentions. Full definition
Most of our respondents tended to enter the profession with high ideals of really wanting to make a difference. (teachermagazine.com.au)
They paint a picture of a man who entered office with high ideals but who was plagued by crisis after crisis — some unexpected and others self - inflicted. (newsday.com)
When is it possible for a society to agree upon this «higher ideal criterion»? (religion-online.org)