An action will not be right unless the will be right; for…
“An action will not be right unless the will be right; for from thence is the action derived. Again, the will will not be right unless the disposition of the mind be right; for from thence comes the will.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Right action stems from a right will, which itself depends on a right mental disposition.
In simple terms: Good deeds need good intentions and mindset.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtuous thoughts to guide actions.
Themes
virtue
will
ethics
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- leadership
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Stoicism
moral psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What mental habits shape your decisions?
- How can you align will with virtue?
A Different Perspective
A right will may be hard to achieve without self‑knowledge.