Whatever you're thinking of. Just don't. I don't want…
““Whatever you're thinking of. Just don't. I don't want anything to do with it." "What I was about to say," said Miles, giving him an extremely dry look, "was that we, being on the side of truth and justice, need not stoop to such chicanery as, say, bribery, assassination or milder forms of physical diversion, or—heh!—blackmail. ... "If we're not stooping, what do you call that shell game with the Vortugalovs and the uterine replicator?" Ivan demanded indignantly. "A piece of wholly unexpected good fortune. None of us here had anything to do with it," Miles replied tranquilly. "So it's not a dirty trick if it's untraceable?" "Correct, Ivan. You learn fast.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Characters discuss moral boundaries, noting that actions like bribery or blackmail are unethical even if they are untraceable, highlighting the tension between means and ends.
In simple terms: Even untraceable wrongdoing is still wrong.
Key Takeaway
Avoid unethical shortcuts.
Themes
ethics
politics
integrity
power
morality
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
critical
Type
dialogue
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- corporate scandals
- legal investigations
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
consequentialism
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a clean outcome worth a dirty method?
- Can secrecy justify unethical actions?
A Different Perspective
Untraceability does not erase moral responsibility.