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Where two motives, neither of them perfectly justifiable…

“Where two motives, neither of them perfectly justifiable, may be assigned, the worst has the chance of being preferred.” quote by Edmund Burke
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“Where two motives, neither of them perfectly justifiable, may be assigned, the worst has the chance of being preferred.”

Edmund Burke

About This Quote

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

When choices are flawed, the least ethical option can become the most attractive.

In simple terms: Bad choices can seem best when all options are bad.

Key Takeaway

Beware of settling for the lesser evil.

Themes

ethics decision making politics

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • business negotiations
  • personal dilemmas

Key Concepts

moral relativism choice paralysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess options when none seem right?
  • What safeguards prevent choosing the worst?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes rational evaluation, ignoring emotional bias.

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