Skip to content

No action, whether foul or fair, Is ever done, but it…

“No action, whether foul or fair, Is ever done, but it leaves somewhere A record, written by fingers ghostly, As a blessing or a curse, and mostly In the greater weakness or greater strength Of the acts which follow it.” quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Download Open image
“No action, whether foul or fair, Is ever done, but it leaves somewhere A record, written by fingers ghostly, As a blessing or a curse, and mostly In the greater weakness or greater strength Of the acts which follow it.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

About This Quote

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

Every action leaves a trace, influencing future events and shaping moral judgment.

In simple terms: Actions leave lasting marks that affect later deeds.

Key Takeaway

Consider the legacy of your actions.

Themes

morality legacy consequence history

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • legal decisions
  • personal relationships
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

record‑keeping ethical impact cause and effect

Questions to Reflect On

  • What record do you leave?
  • How do past deeds shape present choices?
A Different Perspective

May be overly deterministic; ignores chance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Explore all 755 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quotes

More Action quotes

Browse all 14,940 Action quotes