It is well known to all great men, that by conferring an obligation they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.
Henry FieldingRead
It is not enough that your designs, nay that your actions, are intrinsically good, you must take care they shall appear so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good intentions and actions need to be perceived positively by others to be truly effective.
This quote emphasizes the importance of not only having good intentions or actions but also ensuring that they are perceived as such by others. It suggests that the impact of our actions is not solely determined by their nature but also by how they are interpreted by those around us. Therefore, it's crucial to consider how our behaviors are presented and understood by others, as appearance can influence acceptance and effectiveness.
Themes
PerceptionActionsIntentionsAppearanceGoodness
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about ethics in business, this quote can highlight the need for transparency.
More from Henry Fielding
All quotes βLet no man be sorry he has done good, because others concerned with him have done evil! If a man has acted right, he has done well, though along; if wrong, the sanction of all mankind will not justify him.
Henry FieldingRead
A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
Henry FieldingRead
He grew weary of this condescension, and began to treat the opinions of his wife with that haughtiuess and insolence, which none but those who deserve some contempt themselves can bestow, and those only who deserve no contempt can bear.
Henry FieldingRead
Now in reality, the world has paid too great a compliment to critics, and has imagined them to be men of much greater profundity than they really are.
Henry FieldingRead
It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
Henry FieldingRead
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