Good intentions will always be pleaded, for every…
“Good intentions will always be pleaded, for every assumption of power; but they cannot justify it ... It is hardly too strong to say, that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the dangers of good intention, real or pretended.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Good intentions are insufficient to justify power; laws must protect against well‑meaning but harmful actions.
In simple terms: Good intentions alone don’t justify power.
Key Takeaway
Ensure laws guard against misuse of good intentions.
Themes
law
ethics
power
intentions
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative debates
- policy making
- judicial review
Key Concepts
political theory
constitutional law
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent well‑meaning abuse?
- How can intention be measured?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can blind to practical risks.