Canonical Reference: Dhp 270 Verified Source

“One is not called noble who harms living beings. By not harming living beings one is called noble.”

— Gautam Buddha
The Awakened One, Founder of Dhamma
Historical Setting & Context:

Pali Canon: Dhammapada 19.270 (Na tena ariyo hoti yena pāṇāni hiṁsati, Ahiṁsā sabbapāṇānaṁ ariyo'ti pavuccati).