Right thing Quote by Edward Trimnell
““If you do the right thing for selfish reasons, does that detract from the rightness of the act itself?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Ethics of Motivation, 2015, Journal of Moral Philosophy
Acting rightly for selfish motives raises questions about the purity of moral actions and whether intent matters as much as outcome
In simple terms: Selfish motives may cloud moral purity
Key Takeaway
Examine motives behind good deeds
Themes
ethics
motivation
intentionality
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- business decisions
- personal choices
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology of altruism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a good act still good if driven by self‑gain?
- Can altruism and self‑interest coexist?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest can still produce positive outcomes, complicating moral judgments
