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Altogether, the Old Bailey, at that date, was a choice…

“Altogether, the Old Bailey, at that date, was a choice illustration of the precept, that "Whatever is right;" an aphorism that would be as final as it is lazy, did it not include the troublesome consequence, that nothing that ever was, was wrong.” quote by Charles Dickens
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““Altogether, the Old Bailey, at that date, was a choice illustration of the precept, that "Whatever is right;" an aphorism that would be as final as it is lazy, did it not include the troublesome consequence, that nothing that ever was, was wrong.””

Charles Dickens

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote suggests that strict adherence to what is considered "right" can ignore nuance, making everything that ever existed seem correct and never wrong.

In simple terms: Rigid moral rules ignore complexity.

Key Takeaway

Question flexibility over absolute rightness.

Themes

morality law philosophy

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • legal judgments
  • personal decisions
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

ethical relativism rigidity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you handle situations where "right" feels ambiguous?
  • Can strict rules ever be truly just?
A Different Perspective

Absolute rightness can stifle critical thinking.

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