There is much said about the wickedness of doing evil that…
“There is much said about the wickedness of doing evil that good may come. Alas! there is such a thing as doing good that evil may come.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Explores the paradox where well‑intentioned actions can unintentionally cause harm, warning against naïve moralism.
In simple terms: Good deeds can have bad outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences before acting.
Themes
morality
paradox
intent
consequence
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- policy making
- personal decisions
- leadership
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
moral complexity
unintended effects
Questions to Reflect On
- When does good become harmful?
- How to balance intent and impact?
A Different Perspective
Not all outcomes are controllable.