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But the sun itself, however beneficent, generally, was…

“But the sun itself, however beneficent, generally, was less kind to Coketown than hard frost, and rarely looked intently into any of its closer regions without engendering more death than life. So does the eye of Heaven itself become an evil eye, when incapable or sordid hands are interposed…” quote by Charles Dickens
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“But the sun itself, however beneficent, generally, was less kind to Coketown than hard frost, and rarely looked intently into any of its closer regions without engendering more death than life. So does the eye of Heaven itself become an evil eye, when incapable or sordid hands are interposed between it and the thing it looks upon to bless.”

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.

Divine favor can be turned harmful when human corruption blocks its benevolent intent.

In simple terms: Blessings become curses when people interfere.

Key Takeaway

Guard against corruption that twists good intentions.

Themes

morality corruption divine humanity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • social reform
  • environmental stewardship
  • personal integrity
  • leadership decisions

Key Concepts

theodicy ethical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we ensure good intentions remain untainted?
  • What safeguards prevent well-meaning actions from causing damage?
A Different Perspective

Even pure intentions can cause harm if intermediaries are immoral.

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