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Do not suffer your good nature [...] to say yes when you…

“Do not suffer your good nature [...] to say yes when you ought to say no; remember that it is a public not a private cause that is to be injured or benefitted by your choice” quote by George Washington
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““Do not suffer your good nature [...] to say yes when you ought to say no; remember that it is a public not a private cause that is to be injured or benefitted by your choice””

George Washington

About This Quote

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

Good nature should not be exploited; say no when needed, as choices affect the public good.

In simple terms: Don't say yes to protect your good nature when it harms others.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize public welfare over personal niceness.

Themes

ethics leadership public duty decision making

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical instructional

When to use this quote

  • policy voting
  • community projects
  • organizational governance
  • volunteer work

Key Concepts

moral responsibility civic virtue personal integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should kindness yield to principle?
  • How do we balance personal values with public impact?
A Different Perspective

May ignore personal boundaries and burnout risk.

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