Bending Quote by Jeannette Walls
“Mom told us we would have to go shoplifting. Isn't that a sin?" I asked Mom. Not exactly," Mom said. "God doesn't mind you bending the rules a little if you have a good reason. It's sort of like justifiable homicide. This is justifiable pilfering.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, 2005
Moral flexibility is portrayed as acceptable when justified by personal circumstances, blurring ethical lines.
In simple terms: Rules can be bent for personal reasons.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences before rationalizing rule‑breaking.
Themes
ethics
family dynamics
moral relativism
Mood
conflicted
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parent‑child advice
- adolescent decision making
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
justification
personal ethics
cognitive dissonance
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it okay to bend rules?
- What are the long‑term effects of such justifications?
A Different Perspective
Moral rationalization may ignore broader societal impact.
![“[Mom] said she didn't want her youngest daughter dressed in the thrift-store clothes the rest of us wore. Mom told us we would have to go shoplifting. "Isn't that a sin?" I asked Mom. "Not exactly," Mom said. "God doesn't mind you bending the rules a little if you have good reason. It's sort of…” quote by Jeannette Walls](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c7d/jeannette-walls-1378_absurdity_mom-said-she-didn-t-want-her-youngest-da_2171247.jpg)
