Action Quote by Mary McCarthy
“Is it really so difficult to tell a good action from a bad one? I think one usually knows right away or a moment afterward, in a horrid flash of regret.”
About This Quote
The quote suggests that moral judgment is often immediate, followed quickly by regret when actions are wrong.
In simple terms: We usually know right away if an action is good or bad, then feel regret.
Key Takeaway
Trust your immediate moral intuition.
Themes
morality
regret
intuition
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- workplace choices
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
ethical decision‑making
emotional awareness
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you ever doubt your first moral feeling?
- How do you handle regret after a decision?
A Different Perspective
Immediate intuition can be clouded by bias or lack of information.
![“She considered [her] life, which had not been a life but only a sort of greeting, a Hello There.” quote by Mary McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/354/mary-mccarthy-2691_considered_she-considered-her-life-which-had-not-be_53594.jpg)
