Aphorism Quote by William Penn
““I will never do this, says one, yet does it: I am resolved to do this, says another; but flags upon second Thoughts: Or does it, tho’ awkwardly, for his Word’s sake: As if it were worse to break his Word, than to do amiss in keeping it.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1682, Pennsylvania Colony
The writer wrestles with conflicting promises, weighing the importance of keeping one's word versus acting wrongly.
In simple terms: He debates whether breaking a promise is worse than doing something wrong.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral weight of promises versus actions.
Themes
morality
commitment
ethical dilemma
Mood
thoughtful
conflicted
philosophical
Type
ethical reflection
moral dilemma
When to use this quote
- ethical decisions
- personal vows
Key Concepts
promise keeping
integrity
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- Is a broken promise always more harmful than a bad action?
- How do you prioritize integrity over outcomes?
A Different Perspective
The conflict may ignore context of the promise.
