Action Quote by Samuel Richardson
“The world, the wise world, that never is wrong itself, judges always by events. And if he should use me ill, then I shall be blamed for trusting him: if well, O then I did right, to be sure!--But how would my censurers act in my case, before the event justifies or condemns the action, is the question.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: Clarissa by Samuel Richardson, 1748
The narrator reflects on judgment based on events, questioning whether actions are judged before or after outcomes, and the role of trust.
In simple terms: Judgment depends on outcomes, not intentions.
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences before trusting.
Themes
trust
judgment
morality
cause and effect
philosophy
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- legal decisions
- personal relationships
- historical analysis
- media reporting
Key Concepts
ethical reasoning
subjectivity
pre‑emptive judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate actions before results?
- Can trust be justified without outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Outcomes are unpredictable, making judgments risky.
