--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If ever I do a mean action, it must be in…" description: "\"If ever I do a mean action, it must be in some interval betwixt one passion and another.\" — Laurence Sterne" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1c/laurence-sterne-1405_action_if-ever-i-do-a-mean-action-it-must-be-in_976973.jpg" --- # If ever I do a mean action, it must be in some interval… ![“If ever I do a mean action, it must be in some interval betwixt one passion and another.” quote by Laurence Sterne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1c/laurence-sterne-1405_action_if-ever-i-do-a-mean-action-it-must-be-in_976973.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1c/laurence-sterne-1405_action_if-ever-i-do-a-mean-action-it-must-be-in_976973.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/e1c/laurence-sterne-1405_action_if-ever-i-do-a-mean-action-it-must-be-in_976973.jpg) > “If ever I do a mean action, it must be in some interval betwixt one passion and another.” [Laurence Sterne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-sterne/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A harmful act arises from conflicting desires, not from pure intent. **In simple terms:** Mean actions stem from clashing passions. Key Takeaway Recognize and resolve inner conflicts. Themes conflict morality self-awareness Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - personal relationships - decision making - emotional regulation Key Concepts psychology ethics dualism Questions to Reflect On - How do you identify conflicting passions? - What steps can you take to align them? A Different Perspective If passions are balanced, harm may be avoided. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action/) [Action Interval](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/action-interval-1913436/) [Betwixt Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/betwixt-passion-738849/) [Ifs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ifs/) [Interval Betwixt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/interval-betwixt-1913437/) [Intervals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/intervals/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Mean Action](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean-action-328422/) [Passion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/passion/) ## Related quotes > [ \[I have\] been in love with one princess or another almost all my life, and I hope I shall go on so, till I… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-sterne/i-have-been-in-love-with-one-princess-or-another-almost-all-my-life/) [Laurence Sterne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-sterne/) > [Hope doesn't mean anything. ... 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