Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
All human sin seems so much worse in its consequences than in its intentions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Human actions can often have more severe outcomes than initially intended, highlighting the complexity of morality.
This quote by Reinhold Niebuhr suggests that while people may have good intentions, the actual consequences of their actions can lead to significant harm. It highlights the disparity between intent and impact, reminding us that moral accountability is often more about the results of our actions than our original purpose, urging us to reflect on the broader implications of our decisions.
Themes
SinIntentionsConsequencesMoralityHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on ethics, this quote can exemplify how well-meaning decisions can lead to unforeseen negative outcomes.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes βThe tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Similar quotes
So, at one extreme you have indigenous, tribal societies trying to stem the race to disaster. At the other extreme, the richest, most powerful societies in world history, like the United States and Canada, are racing full-speed ahead to destroy the environment as quickly as possible.
Noam ChomskyRead
Real isn't how you are made. It's a thing that happens to you. Sometimes it hurts, but when you are Real you don't mind being hurt. It doesn't happen all at once. You become. Once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand. Once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.
Margery WilliamsRead
Vegetarianism serves as the criterion by which we know that the pursuit of moral perfection on the part of humanity is genuine and sincere.
Leo TolstoyRead
I believe the returns on investment in the poor are just as exciting as successes achieved in the business arena, and they are even more meaningful!
Bill GatesRead
...men can only be highly civilized while other men, inevitably less civilized, are there to guard and feed them.
George OrwellRead
Money has transformed every watchdog, every independent authority. Medical doctors are increasingly gulled by the lobbying of pharmaceutical salesmen.
Thomas FrankRead