Consequence Quote by Hosea Ballou
“Of all the ingenious mistakes into which erring man has fallen, perhaps none have been so pernicious in their consequences, or have brought so many evils into the world, as the popular opinion that the way of the transgressor is pleasant and easy.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Treatise on Moral Philosophy, 1855
Popular belief that wrongdoing is easy leads to widespread harm and societal decay.
In simple terms: Wrongdoing seems easy but causes great damage.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about the ease of immoral actions.
Themes
ethics
societal harm
misconception
Mood
critical
cautionary
Type
philosophical
instructive
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education curricula
- media narratives
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we romanticize the immoral?
- How can societies discourage harmful shortcuts?
A Different Perspective
Some view transgression as rewarding, ignoring long‑term costs.
![“No doctrine involving more pernicious consequences was ever invented by the wit of man than any [constitutional] provisions can be suspended during any of the great exigencies of government.” quote by Roger Brooke Taney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f29/roger-brooke-taney-72915_consequence_no-doctrine-involving-more-pernicious-co_3016749.jpg)
