We call an intention good which is right in itself, but…
“We call an intention good which is right in itself, but the action is good, not because it contains within it some good, but because it issues from a good intention.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Good actions stem from good intentions, not merely from the act’s inherent goodness.
In simple terms: Intentions matter more than outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtuous motives before acting.
Themes
ethics
intention
morality
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- personal decision‑making
- leadership
- legal judgments
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What intentions guide your daily actions?
- Can a good intention justify a harmful result?
A Different Perspective
Intentions can be misguided despite good outcomes.