'How a mother can look at her baby, and know that she…
““ 'How a mother can look at her baby, and know that she lives beyond her husband's means, I cannot imagine.' " "Eugene suggests that Mrs. Lammle, not being a mother, had no baby to look at." " 'True, but the principle is the same.' " "Boots is clear that the principle is the same. So is Buffer. It is the unfortunate destiny of Buffer to damage a cause by espousing it. The rest of the company have meekly yielded to the proposition that the principle is the same, until Buffer says that it is; when instantly a general murmur arises that the principle is not the same.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A discussion on how principles can appear identical yet be applied differently, leading to conflict.
In simple terms: Similar ideas can be used for good or bad, causing disputes.
Key Takeaway
Examine how principles are applied, not just their wording.
Themes
principles
interpretation
conflict
ethics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- legal debates
- corporate policy
- social movements
- team dynamics
Key Concepts
moral relativism
contextual ethics
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure principles stay true to intent?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of shared values?
A Different Perspective
Principles may be manipulated to serve self‑interest.