Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
A good End cannot sanctify evil Means; nor must we ever do Evil, that Good may come of it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good outcomes cannot justify using unethical actions to achieve them.
This quote by William Penn emphasizes the moral principle that one should not engage in evil or unethical actions, even if the intention is to achieve a good result. It serves as a reminder that the means we choose to pursue our goals must align with ethical standards, as compromising our values can lead to a corrupt path that ultimately undermines the intended good.
Themes
MoralityEthicsMeansEndsGoodness
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about ethical business practices.
More from William Penn
All quotes βWhere thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
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Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
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To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
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Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
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