Other things being equal, ill will is worse than moral…
“Other things being equal, ill will is worse than moral indifference (as in causing suffering for money vs causing suffering to cause suffering), though things are rarely equal.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ill will, the intent to cause harm, is morally more blameworthy than passive indifference, even when both result in suffering.
In simple terms: Intentional harm outranks passive neglect.
Key Takeaway
Intent matters more than outcome alone.
Themes
moral philosophy
intentionality
ethical responsibility
consequentialism
human nature
Mood
thoughtful
critical
serious
Type
aphorism
ethical observation
When to use this quote
- judging corporate profit from at the
- assessing personal revenge
- evaluating policy decisions that cause suffering
- reflecting on personal grudges
Key Concepts
moral agency
harm
motivation
ethical evaluation
Practical Applications
- ethical counseling
- risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- When does indifference become culpable?
- Can intent be measured objectively?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that outcomes, not intentions, should be the primary moral focus, especially when indifference leads to large-scale harm.