Common Quote by George Eliot
“There is a mercy which is weakness, and even treason against the common good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Middlemarch by George Eliot, 1871
Compassion can be a hidden weakness that harms collective welfare.
In simple terms: Mercy may become weakness against the common good.
Key Takeaway
Balance compassion with responsibility.
Themes
ethics
society
compassion
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- team leadership
- public policy
- family decisions
Key Concepts
collective good
moral dilemmas
Questions to Reflect On
- When does compassion become detrimental?
- How to protect the common good while showing mercy?
A Different Perspective
Excessive mercy may enable exploitation.
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