There is no word or action but may be taken with two…
“There is no word or action but may be taken with two hands,--either with the right hand of charitable construction, or the sinister interpretation of malice and suspicion; and all things do succeed as they are taken. To construe an evil, action well is but a pleasing and profitable deceit to myself; but to misconstrue a good thing is a treble wrong,--to myself, the action, and the author.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Actions can be interpreted positively or negatively, affecting both the act and the interpreter.
In simple terms: Interpretation changes meaning of actions.
Key Takeaway
Consider both intent and perception.
Themes
interpretation
ethics
perception
intent
consequence
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- legal judgments
- media reporting
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
dualism
subjectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do your biases shape your view of others' actions?
- Can you reframe a negative interpretation positively?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations may be biased by personal motives.