It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should…
“It is not that you do wrong by design, but that you should never do right by mistake.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote distinguishes intentional wrongdoing from accidental failure to do right.
In simple terms: Wrongful acts are deliberate; mistakes are unintentional.
Key Takeaway
Strive for intentional goodness.
Themes
morality
intentionality
ethics
politics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- decision making
- leadership training
- ethical audits
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human error
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we have for unintended harms?
- How can we prevent accidental moral failures?
A Different Perspective
It may ignore systemic factors causing mistakes.