Friendship is the only thing in the world concerning the usefulness of which all mankind are agreed.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
Crimes are not to be measured by the issue of events, but by the bad intentions of men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the morality of actions should be judged based on the intentions behind them rather than the outcomes.
Cicero emphasizes that the ethical implications of crimes stem from the malicious intent of individuals rather than merely the consequences of their actions. It implies that a good outcome from a bad intention does not absolve immoral behavior, thereby inviting a deeper reflection on the nature of justice and morality.
Themes
IntentionsCrimeMoralityPhilosophyEthics
In practice
Example use cases
A lawyer could use this quote to stress the importance of intent in a courtroom setting.
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Advice in old age is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end.
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