The most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one…
“The most dangerous thing you can do is to take any one impulse of your own nature and set it up as the thing you ought to follow at all costs. There is not one of them which will not make us into devils if we set it up as an absolute guide. You might think love of humanity in general was safe, but it is not. If you leave out justice you will find yourself breaking agreements and faking evidence in trials "for the sake of humanity", and become in the end a cruel and treacherous man.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Blindly following any single impulse as an absolute moral guide leads to corruption; balance and multiple virtues are needed to avoid becoming tyrannical.
In simple terms: Following one impulse absolutely can corrupt you; balance is essential.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate multiple virtues and question absolute impulses.
Themes
morality
impulse
balance
justice
humanity
Mood
contemplative
cautionary
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- personal choices
- leadership
- legal judgments
- social reforms
Key Concepts
ethical pluralism
moral absolutism
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate when an impulse is harmful?
- What virtues should guide your decisions?
A Different Perspective
Absolute adherence can ignore context, leading to unintended harm.