Accidents Quote by Isabel Paterson
“Most of the harm in the world is done by good people, and not by accident, lapse, or omission. It is the result of their deliberate actions, long persevered in, which they hold to be motivated by high ideals toward virtuous ends... ...when millions are slaughtered, when torture is practiced, starvation enforced, oppression made a policy, as at present over a large part of the world, and as it has often been in the past, it must be at the behest of very many good people, and even by their direct action, for what they consider a worthy object.”
About This Quote
Good people can cause great harm when their high ideals justify harmful actions, showing moral complexity beyond simple good‑evil labels.
In simple terms: Good intentions can lead to terrible outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Examine motives behind actions.
Themes
morality
power
ideology
human nature
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activism
- leadership
- education
- media critique
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
collective guilt
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards prevent noble goals from causing harm?
- How do we hold well‑meaning actors accountable?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can blind judgment.
