Evil Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne
“There is no such thing in man's nature as a settled and full resolve either for good or evil, except at the very moment of execution.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne, 1850
Human nature lacks fixed resolve; decisions solidify only at the moment of action, for good or evil.
In simple terms: Resolve forms at the point of action.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of decisive moments.
Themes
morality
human nature
decision‑making
volition
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- personal vows
- ethical dilemmas
- leadership choices
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
free will
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you hesitated before acting?
- What influences your final decision?
A Different Perspective
People can change intentions before acting.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
