Evil Quote by Robert Burns
“Great for good, or great for evil.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: "Goodnight" by Robert Burns, 1791
The line contrasts actions that can be used for benevolent or malevolent purposes, highlighting moral ambiguity.
In simple terms: Good can be used for good or evil.
Key Takeaway
Consider intent behind actions.
Themes
ethics
choice
duality
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- technology use
- policy making
- artistic expression
- scientific research
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
intentionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we assess the morality of tools?
- Can good intentions justify harmful results?
A Different Perspective
Intent alone may not determine outcome.
![“All-cheering Plenty, with her flowing horn, Led yellow Autumn, wreath'd with nodding corn." [ Brigs of Ayr ]” quote by Robert Burns](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f5b/robert-burns-1511_autumn_all-cheering-plenty-with-her-flowing-hor_208127.jpg)
![“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)
