Sir, you must not neglect doing a thing immediately good…
“Sir, you must not neglect doing a thing immediately good from fear of remote evil; -from fear of its being abused.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Act promptly on beneficial actions rather than delaying due to distant, speculative harms.
In simple terms: Prioritize immediate good over imagined future risks.
Key Takeaway
Don't let fear of future misuse stall present virtue.
Themes
ethics
decision-making
caution
prudence
timeliness
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
determined
Type
aphorism
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership dilemmas
- policy formulation
- personal habit formation
- business strategy
- public health initiatives
Key Concepts
moral urgency
risk assessment
pragmatism
Practical Applications
- ethical decision frameworks
- risk‑benefit analysis tools
Questions to Reflect On
- What present actions could be compromised by over‑cautiousness?
- How can we balance foresight with timely execution?