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An opinion, right or wrong, can never constitute a moral…

“An opinion, right or wrong, can never constitute a moral offense, nor be in itself a moral obligation. It may be mistaken; it may involve an absurdity, or a contradiction. It is a truth; or it is an error: it can never be a crime or a virtue.” quote by Frances Wright
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“An opinion, right or wrong, can never constitute a moral offense, nor be in itself a moral obligation. It may be mistaken; it may involve an absurdity, or a contradiction. It is a truth; or it is an error: it can never be a crime or a virtue.”

Frances Wright

About This Quote

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

Ideas can be right or wrong without being morally criminal or virtuous; truth and error are separate from moral judgment.

In simple terms: Opinions aren't crimes or virtues.

Key Takeaway

Judge ideas by truth, not morality.

Themes

ethics philosophy truth

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • academic writing
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

moral relativism truth vs belief

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is truth always moral?
  • Can a false belief be harmful?
A Different Perspective

An opinion may still cause harm despite being non‑criminal.

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