I believe it to be a great political and a great moral…
“I believe it to be a great political and a great moral evil. I thank God, my lot has been cast in a state where it does not exist. But . . . I know it is an evil at present without a remedy...one of those moral evils from which it is impossible for us to escape without the introduction of evils infinitely greater.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker sees a profound moral and political wrongdoing that currently lacks a solution, suggesting only worse evils could resolve it.
In simple terms: A serious moral/political problem exists with no remedy except worse evils.
Recognize the problem and seek ethical alternatives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activism
- public debate
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist that avoid creating greater evils?
- How can societies confront such dilemmas responsibly?
Addressing the issue may create even greater harms if not carefully considered.