..And yet wrong steps have to be taken sometimes lest some…
““..And yet wrong steps have to be taken sometimes lest some worse peril befall us; that is the great paradox of politics, and no man can say with surety whether present wrong-doing is better and safer in the end than the possibility of that imagined peril.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Political decisions may involve choosing lesser evils to avoid greater threats.
In simple terms: Bad choices may be needed to prevent worse outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Weigh risks carefully.
Themes
politics
ethics
decision‑making
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- crisis management
- war
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
moral dilemma
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to choose a bad option?
- How do you measure potential future perils?
A Different Perspective
Choosing any wrong act can damage legitimacy.