Character Quote by Edmund Burke
![“Nor is it a short experience that can instruct us [...], because the real effects of moral causes are not always immediate; that which in the first instance is prejudicial may be excellent in its remoter operation, and its excellence may arise even from the ill effects it produces in the beginning.” quote by Edmund Burke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/420/edmund-burke-400_character_nor-is-it-a-short-experience-that-can-in_1461317.jpg)
““Nor is it a short experience that can instruct us [...], because the real effects of moral causes are not always immediate; that which in the first instance is prejudicial may be excellent in its remoter operation, and its excellence may arise even from the ill effects it produces in the beginning.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents, 1770
Moral actions often have delayed outcomes; early harms can later produce great good, and immediate benefits may hide later damage.
In simple terms: Good can arise from early harm; bad can hide later.
Key Takeaway
Consider long‑term effects, not just immediate results.
Themes
ethics
cause and effect
patience
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal decisions
- social reform
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
philosophy
moral causality
delayed consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- What long‑term outcomes am I overlooking?
- How can I balance short‑term pain with future benefit?
A Different Perspective
Immediate results can be misleading; patience is needed to assess true impact.
