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Never let a man imagine that he can pursue a good end by…

“Never let a man imagine that he can pursue a good end by evil means, without sinning against his own soul. The evil effect on himself is certain.” quote by Robert Southey
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“Never let a man imagine that he can pursue a good end by evil means, without sinning against his own soul. The evil effect on himself is certain.”

Robert Southey

About This Quote

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

Believing one can achieve good goals through immoral actions inevitably harms one's own conscience.

In simple terms: Evil means corrupt the soul.

Key Takeaway

Avoid unethical shortcuts.

Themes

ethics conscience integrity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

moral philosophical

When to use this quote

  • business decisions
  • personal relationships
  • political actions
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

moral philosophy self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you think of a time you justified a bad means?
  • How does this principle affect modern leadership?
A Different Perspective

Even if outcomes seem beneficial, the inner damage persists.

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