I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do…
“I beseech you, Wrest once the law to your authority: To do a great right, do a little wrong.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Doing a great good may require a small compromise of moral standards.
In simple terms: Great deeds sometimes need minor wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Weigh ends against means.
Themes
ethics
politics
pragmatism
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- legal reform
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
moral compromise
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a minor wrongdoing justified for a larger good?
- What are the long‑term costs of such compromises?
A Different Perspective
Compromise can erode trust and set dangerous precedents.