Is it better to drive a fellow-creature to despair than to…
““Is it better to drive a fellow-creature to despair than to transgress a mere human law, no man being injured by the breach?””
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 questions whether causing another’s despair is worse than breaking a minor law without causing physical harm.
In simple terms: Is causing despair worse than a harmless law breach?
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral weight of emotional harm.
Themes
ethics
law
empathy
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- personal relationships
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
morality
consequentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have for others’ emotional well‑being?
- Can a harmless law be justified if it causes suffering?
A Different Perspective
Legal breaches may have broader societal impacts beyond individual despair.