Psychology Quote by Anthony Trollope
““The Mob” thought that a good deal should be overlooked in a Melmotte, and that the philanthropy of his great designs should be allowed to cover a multitude of sins. I do not know that the theory was ever so plainly put forward as it was done by the ingenious and courageous writer in “The Mob”; but in practice it has commanded the assent of many intelligent minds.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope, 1875
The quote critiques the belief that large charitable projects can hide moral failures, suggesting that many accept this rationalization.
In simple terms: Big good deeds can mask wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind philanthropy.
Themes
ethics
philanthropy
hypocrisy
societal norms
Mood
skeptical
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- charitable fundraising
- public policy
- corporate social responsibility
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden agendas might be behind large donations?
- How can societies guard against moral masking?
A Different Perspective
Not all charitable acts are pure; motives may be self‑serving.
![“Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 1 PETER 4:8 AMP” quote by Barbour Publishing Inc](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/499/barbour-publishing-inc-39920_forgiveness_above-all-things-have-intense-and-unfail_191985.jpg)
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
