In sum, all actions and habits are to be esteemed good or…
“In sum, all actions and habits are to be esteemed good or evil by their causes and usefulness in reference to the commonwealth, and not by their mediocrity, nor by their being commended. For several men praise several customs, and, contrarily, what one calls vice, another calls virtue, as their present affections lead them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Actions and habits should be judged by their causes and usefulness to society, not by superficial merit or popular opinion.
In simple terms: Judge deeds by their impact on the common good, not by appearances.
Key Takeaway
Assess impact, not perception.
Themes
ethics
societal good
relativism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- community leadership
- personal decision making
- cultural criticism
Key Concepts
consequentialism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you determine the true usefulness of a habit?
- When should popular opinion be overridden?
A Different Perspective
Common good judgments can be subjective and contested.