We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
OvidRead
The end doesn't justify the means.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The morality of actions should be judged by their nature, not just by their outcomes.
This quote from Ovid emphasizes the importance of ethics in our actions. It suggests that achieving a goal does not excuse unethical behavior or means used to get there, highlighting a fundamental principle in moral philosophy that the ends do not warrant the means if those means are unjust or immoral.
Themes
EthicsMoralityEndsMeansPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on ethical leadership, this quote can be used to stress the importance of integrity.
More from Ovid
All quotes βAll things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.
OvidRead
A new idea is delicate. It can be killed by a sneer or a yawn; it can be stabbed to death by a quip and worried to death by a frown on the right man's brow.
OvidRead
Fas est ab hoste doceri._x000D_ One should learn even from one's enemies.
OvidRead
Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
OvidRead
Most safely shall you tread the middle path.
OvidRead
Similar quotes
When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him, you will see yourself. As you treat him, you will treat yourself. As you think of him, you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself.
Marianne WilliamsonRead
...if you are overdressed, it is a comment on them. If you are under dressed, it is a comment on you.
Condoleezza RiceRead
I am Oz, the Great and Terrible," spoke the Beast, in a voice that was one great roar. Who are you, and why do you seek me?
L. Frank BaumRead
It's not very interesting to establish sympathy for people who, on the surface, are instantly sympathetic. I guess I'm always attracted to people who, if their lives were headlines in a newspaper, you might not be very sympathetic about them.
John IrvingRead
The death penalty not only takes away the life of the person strapped to the table - it takes away a little bit of the humanity in each of us.
Clint SmithRead
The baby looks at things all day without winking; that is because his eyes are not focused on any particular object. He goes without knowing where he is going, and stops without knowing what he is doing. He merges himself within the surroundings and moves along with it. These are the principles of mental hygiene.
ZhuangziRead