Blame Quote by José Saramago
““If, before every action, we were to begin by weighing up the consequences, thinking about them in earnest, first the immediate consequences, then the probable, then the possible, then the imaginable ones, we should never move beyond the point where our first thought brought us to a halt. The good and evil resulting from our words and deeds go on apportioning themselves, one assumes in a reasonably uniform and balanced way, throughout all the days to follow, including those endless days, when we shall not be here to find out, to congratulate ourselves or ask for pardon, indeed there are those who claim that this is the much talked of immortality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Blindness by José Saramago, 1995
We should carefully consider all possible outcomes before acting, recognizing that moral balance unfolds over time beyond our lifespan.
In simple terms: Think before acting; consequences matter beyond life.
Key Takeaway
Pause to weigh impacts before decisions.
Themes
ethics
consequence
reflection
mortality
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- policy making
- environmental planning
- financial investments
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
long-term thinking
balance
Questions to Reflect On
- What consequences do you often overlook?
- How can you balance caution with decisiveness?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can paralyze action, leading to missed opportunities.
