Skip to content

Bad thing Quote by Alexander Gordon Smith

“And like I've said before, sometimes its better to do bad things for the right reasons than good things for the wrong ones. Right?” quote by Alexander Gordon Smith
Download Open image
““And like I've said before, sometimes its better to do bad things for the right reasons than good things for the wrong ones. Right?””

Alexander Gordon Smith

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Last Apprentice, 2010

Moral complexity can justify unethical actions if the intention is virtuous, while ethical actions may be hollow if motives are selfish.

In simple terms: Bad deeds can be okay if motives are good; good deeds can be bad if motives are wrong.

Key Takeaway

Consider motives before judging actions.

Themes

ethics intentionality morality

Mood

conflicted thoughtful

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • political policy
  • business strategies

Key Concepts

consequentialism deontological ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What values guide your decisions?
  • Can ends ever justify means?
A Different Perspective

Motives are often ambiguous, making moral judgments difficult.

2.9 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Alexander Gordon Smith

Explore all 73 Alexander Gordon Smith quotes

More Bad thing quotes

Browse all 2,892 Bad thing quotes