Action Quote by Peter Abelard
“In fact we say that an intention is good, that is, right in itself, but that an action does not bear any good in itself but proceeds from a good intention. Whence when the same thing is done by the same man at different times, by the diversity of his intention, however, his action is now said to be good, now bad.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Sic et Non, by Peter Abelard, 1120
Good intentions do not guarantee good actions; the moral value of an act depends on the intention behind it, which can change over time.
In simple terms: Intentions shape moral worth of actions.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtuous intentions consistently.
Themes
morality
intentionality
ethics
philosophy
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- decision making
- leadership
- teaching
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moral psychology
intentionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the intention behind others' actions?
- Can a good intention excuse a harmful outcome?
A Different Perspective
Intentions can be ambiguous, making moral judgments difficult.
