Skip to content

Body Quote by Mark Twain

“Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and a body ain’t got no business doing wrong when he ain’t ignorant and knows better.” quote by Mark Twain
Download Open image
“Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and a body ain’t got no business doing wrong when he ain’t ignorant and knows better.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

Source Speech: Lecture on Moral Responsibility, 1905

The quote asserts that knowingly acting wrongly is immoral, while ignorance can excuse mistakes.

In simple terms: Knowingly doing wrong is immoral; ignorance may excuse it.

Key Takeaway

Act with awareness and seek knowledge before judging.

Themes

ethics responsibility knowledge ignorance

Mood

thoughtful ethical serious

Type

moral didactic inspirational

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • leadership
  • law
  • education

Key Concepts

moral philosophy intentionality accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions have you taken without full understanding?
  • How can you ensure informed choices?
A Different Perspective

Ignorance is not always an excuse for harmful actions.

3.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by Mark Twain

Explore all 3,277 Mark Twain quotes

More Body quotes

Browse all 20,815 Body quotes