In all the ills that befall us, we are more concerned by…
“In all the ills that befall us, we are more concerned by the intention than the result. A tile that falls off a roof may injure us more seriously, but it will not wound us so deeply as a stone thrown deliberately by a malevolent hand. The blow may miss, but the intention always strikes home.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Intentions matter more than outcomes; a deliberate harmful act harms deeper than accidental injury, highlighting moral weight of purpose.
In simple terms: Intentions outweigh results.
Key Takeaway
Consider motives, not just outcomes.
Themes
morality
intentionality
harm
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
human nature
deliberate action
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess someone's intent?
- When should intent override outcome?
A Different Perspective
Intentions can be misread.