Causes Quote by Edmund Burke
“Prudence is a quality incompatible with vice, and can never be effectively enlisted in its cause.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reflections on the Revolution in France, 1790
Prudence opposes vice; it cannot be used to further immoral aims.
In simple terms: Good judgment resists evil.
Key Takeaway
Never employ virtue for bad ends.
Themes
ethics
virtue
politics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal decisions
- leadership
- legal judgments
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Can prudence ever justify a harmful action?
- When is compromise necessary?
A Different Perspective
A virtuous person may still be forced into compromising situations.
![“Well the first time I performed, my mom was like how she is now when sees me on stage – all red, smiling from ear to ear. So I don’t want to mess up, [be]cause she’s smiling. Seeing my mom happy is kind of like an overwhelming feeling.” quote by Chris Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/477/chris-brown-1887_causes_well-the-first-time-i-performed-my-mom-w_4699.jpg)