Practice Quote by Hendrik Hertzberg
“Unfair in practice is not the same thing as wrong in principle, but sometimes it has to do.”
About This Quote
Source Quote: Unknown, possibly a commentary on ethics
Practical unfairness can be acceptable when it aligns with a higher principle, though not always.
In simple terms: Unfair actions may be justified by principle.
Key Takeaway
Weigh principle against practice.
Themes
ethics
fairness
principle
pragmatism
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- organizational policies
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
situational ethics
justice
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to compromise fairness for principle?
- What safeguards prevent misuse of “principle”?
A Different Perspective
Principles can be misapplied, leading to harm.
![“[If the Democratic nominee turns out to be] Walter Mondale, I hope he picks Representative Geraldine Ferraro as his running mate. It would be a desperate move, but that's what it'll take to get rid of Reagan. Ms. Ferraro is no more unqualified than a lot of Vice Presidential candidates have been…” quote by Hendrik Hertzberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/605/hendrik-hertzberg-35818_american-politics_if-the-democratic-nominee-turns-out-to-b_1091850.jpg)
