Skip to content

Despair Quote by Charlotte Brontë

“Is it better to drive a fellow-creature to despair than to transgress a mere human law, no man being injured by the breach?” quote by Charlotte Brontë
Download Open image
““Is it better to drive a fellow-creature to despair than to transgress a mere human law, no man being injured by the breach?””

Charlotte Brontë

About This Quote

The quote questions whether causing another’s despair is worse than breaking a minor law without causing physical harm.

In simple terms: Is causing despair worse than a harmless law breach?

Key Takeaway

Consider the moral weight of emotional harm.

Themes

ethics law empathy

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • legal decisions
  • personal relationships
  • leadership
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

morality consequentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do we have for others’ emotional well‑being?
  • Can a harmless law be justified if it causes suffering?
A Different Perspective

Legal breaches may have broader societal impacts beyond individual despair.

2.9 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by Charlotte Brontë

Explore all 1,082 Charlotte Brontë quotes

More Despair quotes

Browse all 3,181 Despair quotes