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Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that…

“Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a great good to a less.” quote by Richard Whately
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“Nothing but the right can ever be expedient, since that can never be true expediency which would sacrifice a great good to a less.”

Richard Whately

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True expediency cannot justify sacrificing a greater good for a lesser one; moral integrity outweighs short‑term efficiency.

In simple terms: Never sacrifice a big good for a small one for efficiency.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ethical outcomes over mere convenience.

Themes

ethics philosophy decision‑making integrity consequence

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy decisions
  • business strategies
  • personal choices
  • legal judgments
  • resource allocation

Key Concepts

Moral absolutism utilitarian critique principle versus pragmatism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can efficiency ever justify compromising core values?
  • When should moral principles override expedient solutions?
A Different Perspective

Practical pressures often tempt compromise of higher values.

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