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When an action is once done, it is right or wrong for…

“When an action is once done, it is right or wrong for ever; no accidental failure of its good or evil fruits can possibly alter that.” quote by William Kingdon Clifford
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“When an action is once done, it is right or wrong for ever; no accidental failure of its good or evil fruits can possibly alter that.”

William Kingdon Clifford

About This Quote

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

Argues that moral judgments are fixed once an action is performed, immutable by later outcomes.

In simple terms: Moral status of an act does not change after it is done.

Key Takeaway

Acknowledge the permanence of moral decisions.

Themes

ethics philosophy determinism

Mood

reflective philosophical

Type

theoretical inquisitive

When to use this quote

  • Legal judgments
  • personal decisions
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

moral absolutes consequentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can moral judgments ever be revised?
  • What about unintended consequences?
A Different Perspective

Ignores context and growth.

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