Alas Quote by Amelia Barr
“There is much said about the wickedness of doing evil that good may come. Alas! there is such a thing as doing good that evil may come.”
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Wickedness of Doing Good” (Amelia Barr, 1885)
Explores the paradox where well‑intentioned actions can unintentionally cause harm, warning against naïve moralism.
In simple terms: Good deeds can have bad outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences before acting.
Themes
morality
paradox
intent
consequence
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- policy making
- personal decisions
- leadership
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
moral complexity
unintended effects
Questions to Reflect On
- When does good become harmful?
- How to balance intent and impact?
A Different Perspective
Not all outcomes are controllable.
