Deserve Quote by Walter Scott
“For he that does good, having the unlimited power to do evil, deserves praise not only for the good which he performs, but for the evil which he forbears.”
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Lay of the Last Minstrel, Walter Scott, 1805
Powerful individuals are praised for both good deeds and restraint from evil.
In simple terms: Restraint from evil is commendable.
Key Takeaway
Value moral restraint as much as action.
Themes
morality
power
virtue
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- policy making
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
ethics
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What does restraint reveal about character?
- Can power be truly good without restraint?
A Different Perspective
Praise may overlook hidden motives.
![“[T]hey feel no shame that they themselves are evil amid the things they praise as good. They are more pained if their villa is poor than if their life is bad, as though man's greatest good were to have everything good except himself” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/83b/augustine-of-hippo-2589_evil_t-hey-feel-no-shame-that-they-themselves_2585216.jpg)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
