Expediency Quote by W. Somerset Maugham
“The most useful thing about a principle is that it can always be sacrificed to expediency.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Circle, 1921
Principles are useful until practicality forces their abandonment for convenience.
In simple terms: Principles can be set aside for practicality.
Key Takeaway
Balance ideals with practical needs.
Themes
ethics
pragmatism
flexibility
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political negotiations
- personal dilemmas
- legal strategies
Key Concepts
principle
expediency
moral compromise
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it acceptable to sacrifice a principle?
- What costs arise from frequent compromises?
A Different Perspective
Compromising may erode integrity over time.
