We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
OvidRead
The end doesn't justify the means.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
During a debate on ethical leadership, this quote can be used to stress the importance of integrity.
We are slow to believe that which if believed would hurt our feelings.
All things human hang by a slender thread; and that which seemed to stand strong suddenly falls and sinks in ruins.
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.
Fas est ab hoste doceri._x000D_ One should learn even from one's enemies.
Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.
Most safely shall you tread the middle path.
When God's justice falls, we are offended because we think God owes perpetual mercy. We must not take His grace for granted. We must never lose our capacity to be amazed by grace
I do value my work awfully; but in reality only consider this: all this world of ours is nothing but a speck of mildew, which has grown up on a tiny planet. And for us to suppose we can have something great - ideas, work - it's all dust and ashes.
The cadence of suffering has begun. Every evening at dusk, my heart constricts until night has come.
Poverty must be reduced not only for reasons of moral and justice, but also of security.
I would like you to teach [the orcs] civilised behaviour," said Ladyship coldly. He appeared to consider this. "Yes of course, I think that would be quite possible," he said. "And who would you send to teach the humans?
There is an intellectual function in us which demands unity, connection and intelligibility from any material, whether of perception or thought, that comes within its grasp; and if, as a result of special circumstances, it is unable to establish a true connection, it does not hesitate to fabricate a false one.
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