To bear with patience wrongs done to oneself is a mark of perfection, but to bear with patience wrongs done to someone else is a mark of imperfection and even of actual sin.
Thomas AquinasRead
One cannot use an evil action with reference to a good intention.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Good intentions cannot justify bad actions.
This quote by Thomas Aquinas highlights the moral principle that an action deemed evil cannot be excused by the good intentions behind it. It suggests that the morality of an action is independent of the motivation, emphasizing the need for ethical integrity in both our actions and intentions.
Themes
MoralityIntentionActionEthicsGoodEvil
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about ethics, one might use this quote to argue that even well-meaning actions can lead to negative consequences.
More from Thomas Aquinas
All quotes βLaw is nothing other than a certain ordinance of reason for the common good, promulgated by the person who has the care of the community.
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Now this relaxation of the mind from work consists on playful words or deeds. Therefore it becomes a wise and virtuous man to have recourse to such things at times.
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A song is the exultation of the mind dwelling on eternal things, bursting forth in the voice.
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We are like children, who stand in need of masters to enlighten us and direct us; God has provided for this, by appointing his angels to be our teachers and guides.
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To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.
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