I don't want to hurt people's feelings if I can help it. I…
“I don't want to hurt people's feelings if I can help it. I don't want anyone unnecessarily humiliated, but I say whatever stands between you and justice must give way; and if you have to walk over reputations — and if they become pavement you cannot help it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
One must prioritize justice over protecting reputations, even if it causes discomfort.
In simple terms: Justice outweighs reputation concerns.
Key Takeaway
Stand for justice despite personal costs.
Themes
ethics
justice
integrity
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- whistleblowing
- public discourse
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to harm a reputation?
- How to mitigate collateral damage?
A Different Perspective
Balancing truth with compassion can be challenging.