Conduct Quote by Anthony Powell
““IT is not easy—perhaps not even desirable—to judge other people by a consistent standard. Conduct obnoxious, even unbearable, in one person may be readily tolerated in another; apparently indispensable principles of behaviour are in practice relaxed—not always with impunity—in the interests of those whose nature seems to demand an exceptional measure. That””
About This Quote
Source Novel: A Dance to the Music of Time (Volume 5) by Anthony Powell, 1975
Moral standards shift depending on who is judged; what is condemned in one may be tolerated in another.
In simple terms: Ethics change with context.
Key Takeaway
Question consistency in judgments.
Themes
ethics
relativism
social norms
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- workplace evaluations
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
philosophy
behavioral standards
bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What principles should remain non‑negotiable?
- How can we prevent bias in judgment?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks the need for universal rights and can excuse injustice.
