The crime of a bad example is the same whether men follow…
“The crime of a bad example is the same whether men follow it or not, because he that gives bad example to others, does what in him lies to draw them into sin; and if they do not follow it, that is no mitigation of his fault.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Bad examples corrupt others regardless of whether they follow them, because the giver's intent draws people toward sin.
In simple terms: Bad examples harm others even if ignored.
Key Takeaway
Avoid setting poor examples.
Themes
morality
responsibility
influence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
didactic
When to use this quote
- leadership
- parenting
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
ethics
sin
intentionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your behavior affect those around you?
- Can intent outweigh impact?
A Different Perspective
If the audience is unaware, the harm may be hidden.