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Mistake Quote by George Orwell

“I HAD learned early in my career that one can do wrong against one's will, and before long I also learned that one can do wrong without ever discovering what one has done or why it was wrong. There were sins that were too subtle to be explained, and there were others that” quote by George Orwell
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““I HAD learned early in my career that one can do wrong against one's will, and before long I also learned that one can do wrong without ever discovering what one has done or why it was wrong. There were sins that were too subtle to be explained, and there were others that””

George Orwell

About This Quote

Source Essay: Reflections on Moral Responsibility, 1945

People can act wrongly knowingly or unknowingly; some wrongs are subtle and hard to explain.

In simple terms: Wrong actions can be intentional or hidden, sometimes unclear.

Key Takeaway

Seek awareness of your actions and their impact.

Themes

morality awareness responsibility

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • workplace decisions
  • personal relationships
  • policy making

Key Concepts

ethical blind spots intentional harm

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden biases might affect your choices?
  • How can you uncover unseen consequences?
A Different Perspective

Not all harmful actions are obvious, making accountability difficult.

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