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We must do what we conceive to be the right thing, and not…

“We must do what we conceive to be the right thing, and not bother our heads or burden our souls with whether we are going to be successful. Because if we don't do the right thing, we'll be doing the wrong thing, and we will just be part of the disease, and not a part of the cure.” quote by E. F. Schumacher
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“We must do what we conceive to be the right thing, and not bother our heads or burden our souls with whether we are going to be successful. Because if we don't do the right thing, we'll be doing the wrong thing, and we will just be part of the disease, and not a part of the cure.”

E. F. Schumacher

About This Quote

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

Act according to moral conviction, not for success; doing right prevents contributing to larger problems.

In simple terms: Do what’s right, not what’s profitable.

Key Takeaway

Choose ethical actions over fear of failure.

Themes

ethics responsibility integrity social impact

Mood

reflective serious encouraging

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • environmental activism
  • personal dilemmas
  • community service

Key Concepts

moral philosophy consequentialism personal agency

Questions to Reflect On

  • What right‑handed actions have you avoided for fear of failure?
  • How can you balance ethical intent with practical outcomes?
A Different Perspective

Success can be necessary for influence; ethical action may be limited by resources.

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