Everybody must be managed. Queens must be managed. Kings must be managed, for men want managing almost as much as women, and that's saying a good deal.
Thomas HardyRead
Do not do an immoral thing for moral reasons.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that immoral actions should not be justified by claiming moral intentions.
Thomas Hardy's quote highlights the complex relationship between morality and ethics. It cautions against the notion that one can commit immoral acts, even if the motivation behind those acts seems to be morally sound. This challenges the reader to think critically about the means by which we pursue what we believe to be morally right and to consider the consequences of our actions, ultimately urging a deeper reflection on the true nature of morality and ethical conduct.
Themes
MoralityEthicsActionsConsequencesPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about ethical practices in business, one could use this quote to illustrate the dangers of justifying unethical decisions.
More from Thomas Hardy
All quotes →Because what's the use of learning that I am one of a long row only - finding out that there is set down in some old book somebody just like me, and to know that I shall only act her part; making me sad, that's all. The best is not to remember your nature and your past doings have been just like thousands' and thousands', and that your coming life and doings'll be like thousands' and thousands'.
Thomas HardyRead
But nothing is more insidious than the evolution of wishes from mere fancies, and of wants from mere wishes.
Thomas HardyRead
I wish I had never been born--there or anywhere else.
Thomas HardyRead
Her affection for him was now the breath and life of Tess's being; it enveloped her as a photosphere, irradiated her into forgetfulness of her past sorrows, keeping back the gloomy spectres that would persist in their attempts to touch her—doubt, fear, moodiness, care, shame. She knew that they were waiting like wolves just outside the circumscribing light, but she had long spells of power to keep them in hungry subjection there.
Thomas HardyRead
The trees have inquisitive eyes, haven't they? -that is, seem as if they had. And the river says,-'Why do ye trouble me with your looks?' And you seem to see numbers of to-morrows just all in a line, the first of them the biggest and clearest, the others getting smaller and smaller as they stand further away; but they all seem very fierce and cruel and as if they said, 'I'm coming! Beware of me! Beware of me!
Thomas HardyRead
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