Cordelia Quote by William Shakespeare
“We are not the first Who with best meaning have incurred the worst”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, 1611
People often suffer despite noble intentions, showing that good motives don’t guarantee good outcomes.
In simple terms: Good intentions can lead to bad results.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unintended consequences.
Themes
morality
fate
human nature
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political decisions
- personal relationships
- social movements
Key Concepts
tragic irony
ethical dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we mitigate harm when intentions are good?
- What responsibilities do we have for outcomes we cannot control?
A Different Perspective
Even with pure motives, external forces can cause suffering.
