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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Dream of the Great Commonwealth, Isabel Paterson, 1943
Good people can cause great harm when they act with conviction toward idealistic goals, ignoring unintended consequences.
In simple terms: Well‑meaning actions can cause damage.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unintended harm from idealism.
Themes
ethics
power
idealism
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- social movements
- organizational decisions
Key Concepts
moral responsibility
unintended consequences
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance ideals with practical impact?
- When should caution override conviction?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic motives can blind people to negative outcomes.
